Soy Capaz

Carlos Vives' song 'Soy Capaz' is a vibrant call for peace and unity in Colombia, reflecting the country's long history of civil strife and the desire for a harmonious future. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of hope and the belief in the power of love and collective action to overcome a century of solitude, a reference to Gabriel García Márquez's famous novel 'One Hundred Years of Solitude,' which symbolizes the isolation and repetitive cycles of violence in Colombian history.

The song's chorus, 'Es el momento de crecer busquemos la felicidad / Demos el paso para volver a soñar / Es el momento para actuar cantemos por la libertad / Toma mi mano y caminemos por la paz,' translates to 'It's time to grow, let's seek happiness / Let's take the step to dream again / It's time to act, let's sing for freedom / Take my hand and let's walk for peace.' This encapsulates the song's core message: the time has come to leave behind the past and work together towards a future filled with happiness and freedom. Vives encourages his fellow Colombians to join hands and actively pursue peace, suggesting that a collective effort is necessary to heal the nation's wounds.

The repeated lines 'Canta mi tambora no la puedo callar / Así es como canta Colombia por la paz' highlight the use of music as a form of expression and resistance. The tambora, a traditional drum, becomes a symbol of the Colombian spirit that cannot be silenced. Vives uses his music to inspire change and to remind listeners that they are capable ('soy capaz') of making a difference. The song is a testament to the resilience of the Colombian people and their unwavering hope for a peaceful future.