Verso Por Despedida a Gabriela

Violeta Parra's 'Verso Por Despedida a Gabriela' is a poignant homage to the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. The song is a lamentation, expressing the collective grief of Chile upon her passing. Parra, herself an influential Chilean artist known for her contributions to folk music and social activism, uses her music to honor Mistral's legacy and impact on the Spanish language and Latin American culture.

The lyrics paint a picture of a nation in mourning, with candles lit 'from south to north' to illuminate the now-shadowy world of Gabriela. Parra's reverence for Mistral is evident as she describes her as a 'goddess' and a 'celestial lady' who has left the earthly realm. The song's imagery suggests that Mistral's spirit is being welcomed into heaven, with angels and the Virgin Mary preparing a place for her. This spiritual journey is depicted with a sense of grace and serenity, contrasting the sorrow felt by those she left behind.

Parra's use of the vihuela, a traditional stringed instrument, to 'pray' in her song, underscores the cultural significance of Mistral's work and the deep sense of loss felt by the Chilean people. The reference to children in schools losing their 'godmother' highlights Mistral's role in education and her influence on future generations. The song concludes with the notion that the divine has taken 'the most beautiful flower,' a metaphor for Mistral's pure and profound contributions to the world.