La Pericona Se Ha Muerto

Violeta Parra's song "La Pericona Se Ha Muerto" is a poignant narrative that delves into the harsh realities of poverty and its devastating consequences. The song tells the story of La Pericona, a woman who dies because she couldn't afford basic necessities. The repeated lines emphasize her inability to see a doctor due to a lack of money, highlighting the dire situation that many people face when they cannot access essential healthcare services. This theme is further underscored by the mention of her missing items like 'milcao' (a traditional Chilean potato cake) and 'tamangos' (shoes), symbolizing the basic needs she couldn't meet.

The song's structure, with its repetitive verses and mournful tone, serves to reinforce the sense of inevitability and despair that surrounds La Pericona's fate. The imagery of the cross and crown in the line "Asómate a la rinconá con la cruz y la coroná" evokes a funeral scene, adding a layer of solemnity and finality to the narrative. This not only reflects the personal tragedy of La Pericona but also serves as a broader commentary on the systemic issues that lead to such tragedies.

Violeta Parra, a renowned Chilean folklorist and musician, often used her music to address social and political issues. In "La Pericona Se Ha Muerto," she continues this tradition by shedding light on the struggles of the impoverished. The song is a powerful reminder of the human cost of economic inequality and the urgent need for social justice. Through her evocative lyrics and haunting melody, Parra compels listeners to reflect on the societal structures that perpetuate poverty and to consider their role in advocating for change.