Si me quieres escribir

The song 'Si me quieres escribir,' performed by Rolando Alarcón, is a poignant piece that delves into the harsh realities of war. The lyrics are presented as a letter or message from a soldier on the front lines, providing instructions on how to reach him and what life is like in the midst of battle. The song's structure, with its repetitive melody and stark imagery, serves to emphasize the routine and the grim environment of war.

The reference to a 'fonda,' or inn, at the front lines is a metaphor for the makeshift living and eating arrangements in a war zone. The mention of a 'moro Mohamed' inviting to eat is likely a nod to the multicultural composition of many fighting forces, and the dishes served—'granadas moledoras' (crushing grenades) and 'metralla' (shrapnel)—are a grim play on words, replacing food with weapons, thus highlighting the omnipresence of danger and death in war. This juxtaposition of the ordinary with the violent serves to underline the absurdity and tragedy of war.

Rolando Alarcón was a Chilean folk singer and teacher known for his protest songs and his role in the Nueva Canción Chilena movement, which used music to convey political and social messages. 'Si me quieres escribir' is a traditional song from the Spanish Civil War that Alarcón popularized in Latin America. The song's enduring power lies in its ability to convey the universal experience of soldiers and the senselessness of war, making it resonate with audiences across different eras and conflicts.