Por Que Cantamos

The song "Por Que Cantamos" by Juan Carlos Baglietto is a poignant reflection on the power of music as a form of resistance and expression of hope in the face of adversity. The lyrics pose a rhetorical question, asking why we sing despite the hardships and sorrows that life presents. The song suggests that singing is an act of defiance against the cruelties and injustices of the world, a way to give voice to those who have been silenced, and a means to keep the memory of the lost alive.

The verses describe a landscape of despair, with references to death, loss, and a homeland filled with sadness. Yet, in contrast to this bleak backdrop, the chorus offers a resounding affirmation of why we sing: because the river flows, because the cruel have no name while destiny does, and because there is a future, a people, and survivors who demand that their stories be told through song. The act of singing becomes a symbol of resilience, a collective embrace of life, and a refusal to let the spirit of resistance turn to ashes.

Baglietto's song is not just a call to sing, but a call to action. It emphasizes the importance of remaining active participants in life ('militantes de la vida'), of believing in the potential of people, and of overcoming defeat. The song ends on a note of optimism, recognizing the natural world's acknowledgment of our struggles and the promise of renewal that comes with spring. Each question posed by the hardships of life finds its answer in the act of singing, which is both a personal and communal response to the world's challenges.