El Albertío

Violeta Parra's 'El Albertío' is a song that showcases the Chilean artist's penchant for social commentary through her music. The lyrics are a satirical take on the discrepancies between appearances and reality, and the importance of genuine qualities over superficial ones. Parra, known for her contribution to Chilean folk music and for being part of the Nueva Canción Chilena movement, often used her songs to convey messages about society, politics, and human nature.

The song begins with a rhetorical question about why God would give abundance to those who lack substance, symbolized by a hat with many ribbons given to someone 'who has no head.' This metaphor criticizes people who are given more than they deserve or who are praised without having the necessary qualities or abilities. The song continues with a series of verses that emphasize the value of being 'clean of feelings' and the folly of giving one's heart to someone unworthy. Parra uses the imagery of keys and locks to illustrate the difference between something heavenly and something worthless, further emphasizing the theme of discerning true value.

The refrain 'hay que medir el silencio, hay que medir las palabras' suggests the importance of balance and thoughtfulness in speech and action. The song concludes with a play on the name 'Alberto,' stating that to truly be called 'Alberto,' one must possess the qualities that the name implies, suggesting that a name or title is meaningless without the substance to back it up. Parra's lyrics are a call to authenticity and a critique of those who focus on outward appearances rather than inner worth.