Las Casitas Del Barrio Alto

Victor Jara's song "Las Casitas Del Barrio Alto" offers a satirical and critical look at the lives of the upper class in Chile. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the affluent neighborhoods, characterized by their uniform, pastel-colored houses with well-manicured gardens and luxury cars. These homes, described as being made of 'recipol,' a material that suggests artificiality, symbolize the superficiality and homogeneity of the upper-class lifestyle.

Jara's lyrics delve into the daily routines and social interactions of the residents, who are depicted as living in a bubble of privilege. They smile, visit each other, and shop at supermarkets, all while enjoying the comforts of modern technology like televisions. The song highlights the professions of these residents, including dentists, merchants, landowners, and lawyers, all of whom wear 'polycron,' a synthetic fabric, further emphasizing the theme of artificiality.

The song also touches on the upbringing and education of the children in these neighborhoods. They attend elite schools and universities, where they begin to grapple with social issues and politics. However, Jara's portrayal of these young people as 'gangsters of sedition' who play with bombs and politics suggests a critique of their misguided attempts at rebellion and the violent consequences of their actions. Through this satirical lens, Jara exposes the contradictions and moral ambiguities of the upper class, questioning the true value and impact of their privileged lives.