Y Arriba Quemando El Sol

Inti-Illimani's song 'Y Arriba Quemando El Sol' is a poignant and powerful commentary on the harsh realities faced by miners in Chile. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the desolate and oppressive conditions in the mining regions, particularly in the pampa, a dry and arid area. The song begins with the narrator's initial optimism, symbolized by a chirigüe (a small bird), which quickly fades as they witness the dire circumstances of the miners. The recurring line 'y arriba quemando el sol' (and above, the sun burning) serves as a metaphor for the relentless and unforgiving nature of their environment and the systemic injustices they endure.

The song delves into the stark contrast between the lives of the miners and those who exploit them. The miners' living conditions are described as bleak, with rows of shacks and women waiting in line with empty buckets, symbolizing their constant struggle and deprivation. The mention of the pulpería (a company store) highlights the economic exploitation, where miners are forced to buy overpriced goods, leaving them with empty baskets and empty hopes. The dry pampa, ironically, sees the flow of liquor, hinting at corruption and the disparity between the wealthy and the poor.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the miners' plight is not just about physical hardship but also about the loss of justice and reason. The narrator's journey through a 'dead town' and the realization that 'where people live, death is much worse' underscores the pervasive sense of hopelessness. The song criticizes the media's portrayal of the miners' struggles, suggesting that the truth is often obscured or misrepresented. The final lines reflect a deep disillusionment with the systemic exploitation of the miners, whose labor is undervalued and whose voices are silenced, all under the relentless, burning sun.