María Landó

The song "María Landó" performed by Susana Baca, a prominent Peruvian singer known for her role in the revival of Afro-Peruvian music, is a poignant portrayal of the life of an ordinary working woman named María. The lyrics poetically contrast the natural beauty and daily cycles of the environment with the relentless and exhausting reality of María's life. The dawn, midday, and night are described with vivid imagery, suggesting a world that is alive and dynamic, with the breaking of dawn, the singing of midday, and the night raising its long glass over the sea. These times of day are typically associated with new beginnings, rest, and reflection, respectively.

However, for María, these natural cycles are irrelevant. She does not experience the dawn, midday, or the moonlit night because her existence is consumed by ceaseless labor. The repetition of the phrase "María sólo trabaja" (María only works) emphasizes the monotony and despair of her situation. The song highlights the harsh reality that María's labor is 'ajeno'—alien or belonging to someone else—suggesting a lack of ownership over her work and, by extension, her life. This reflects the broader social issues of exploitation and the dehumanizing aspects of labor for many workers, particularly women in similar socioeconomic situations.

"María Landó" is not just a song about an individual; it's a powerful social commentary on the struggles faced by the working class, especially in Latin American societies. It speaks to the universal themes of inequality, the relentless demands of survival, and the search for dignity amidst a life of toil. Susana Baca's soulful interpretation brings depth to the character of María, making her a symbol of both suffering and quiet strength.