He founded, in 1971, the recognized independent record label Ayuí/Tacuabé in order to promote and support valuable Uruguayan musical expressions, along with other musicians like José "Pepe" Guerra, Braulio López, Coriún Aharonián, Myriam Dibarboure, María Teresa Sande and Edgardo Bello,
He has performed the works of Cuban Nueva Trova stars Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés and Brazil's Chico Buarque and Edu Lobo and has worked with Cuban composer and arranger Leo Brouwer. His recordings are widely available, especially "Trópicos" (1972).
Viglietti was imprisoned in 1972 by his own government. He was supported by the likes of Jean-Paul Sartre as an international man of conscience, a voice for peace, and an opponent of the fascism and tyranny that plagued South America in the 1970s. Rumors about possible mistreatment against him forced the authorities to bring him out in front of television cameras to show that, in particular, his hands were fine. However, Viglietti spoke out that his treatment in police custody was much better than what other political prisoners received. He was a peer of the late Chilean poet and folk singer Victor Jara and composer and activist Violeta Parra.
La senda está trazada
Daniel Viglietti Lyrics
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Y ahora es a los yanquis que les toca actuar
Llevamos ya dos siglos trabajando al sol
No haciendo otra cosa que cambiar patrón
América Latina ya lo está gritando
Es la liberación la que se va acercando
Pues hay en nuestros pueblos una inmensa fe
Vamos a nuestras minas a sacar nuestro cobre
Vamos a nuestros pozos a sacar petróleo
Demos nuestro sudor para sacar plata y estaño
Seguiremos esclavos al cabo del año
América Latina ya lo está gritando
Es la liberación la que se va acercando
Pues hay en nuestros pueblos una inmensa fe
La senda está trazada, nos la mostró el Che
Trabajemos la tierra con tenacidad
Pa' que el patrón engorde con felicidad
Riquezas naturales no son para ti
Son para mayor gloria de la United Fruit
España, Inglaterra, también Portugal
Y ahora es a los yanquis que les toca actuar
Llevamos ya dos siglos trabajando al sol
No haciendo otra cosa que cambiar patrón
América Latina ya lo está gritando
Es la liberación la que se va acercando
Pues hay en nuestros pueblos una inmensa fe
La senda está trazada, nos la mostró el Che
These lyrics by Daniel Viglietti in his song "La senda está trazada" highlight themes of colonialism, exploitation, and the desire for liberation in Latin America. The song criticizes the historical domination of Spain, England, and Portugal, and suggests that it is now the United States' turn to exert their influence. The lyrics imply that for the past two centuries, the people of Latin America have been doing nothing but changing masters, alluding to the continual cycle of foreign control and dependency.
The song expresses the sentiment that Latin America is proclaiming and demanding its liberation. There is a strong belief in the people's communities that this liberation is imminent. The lyrics attribute this hope to the influence and example set by Ernesto "Che" Guevara, who is seen as a guiding figure in paving the way towards freedom. The mention of an "immense faith" within the peoples of these countries suggests a collective determination to break free from oppressive systems.
The lyrics also address the exploitation of natural resources in Latin America. The reference to mining copper, extracting oil, and working in mines and wells represents the labor and effort expended by the people in these industries. However, the lyrics suggest that despite their efforts, they continue to remain slaves, trapped in a perpetual cycle of servitude. This highlights the unequal power dynamics between the workers and the owners of these industries.
The song further critiques the unequal distribution of wealth and the control of natural resources. It implies that the land should be worked with tenacity, but instead, the profits go to the wealthy "patrón" or owner, who benefits from the labor of the people. The lyrics specifically mention the United Fruit Company, a multinational corporation that historically had a significant influence in Latin America and is associated with exploitative practices. This critique indicates a desire for economic justice and the belief that the region's natural wealth should benefit its own people.
In conclusion, "La senda está trazada" by Daniel Viglietti is a song that decries colonialism, exploitation, and the unequal distribution of resources in Latin America. It expresses the hope and belief in the imminent liberation of the people, influenced by figures such as Che Guevara. The lyrics shed light on the struggles and aspirations of the region and call for a change in the status quo.
Line by Line Meaning
España, Inglaterra, también Portugal
These colonial powers, namely Spain, England, and Portugal, have exploited Latin America in the past.
Y ahora es a los yanquis que les toca actuar
Now it's the turn of the Americans (referring to the United States) to play their role in exploiting Latin America.
Llevamos ya dos siglos trabajando al sol
For two centuries, we have been laboring under the scorching sun, enduring hardship and exploitation.
No haciendo otra cosa que cambiar patrón
All we have been doing is replacing one oppressor with another, with no substantial change in our situation.
América Latina ya lo está gritando
Latin America is already shouting, expressing its discontent and desire for change.
Es la liberación la que se va acercando
The liberation we long for is approaching, becoming closer within our reach.
Pues hay en nuestros pueblos una inmensa fe
In our communities, there is a profound faith and belief that change is possible.
La senda está trazada, nos la mostró el Che
The path towards liberation has been laid out for us, and it was exemplified by Che Guevara.
Vamos a nuestras minas a sacar nuestro cobre
Let's go to our mines and extract our own copper, reclaiming our natural resources and wealth.
Vamos a nuestros pozos a sacar petróleo
Let's go to our oil wells and extract our own petroleum, ensuring it benefits our own people.
Demos nuestro sudor para sacar plata y estaño
Let's give our sweat and hard work to mine silver and tin, but this time for our own prosperity.
Seguiremos esclavos al cabo del año
However, if we keep following the same path, we will remain enslaved and oppressed at the end of the year.
Trabajemos la tierra con tenacidad
Let's work the land with determination, putting in our efforts and skills to cultivate it.
Pa' que el patrón engorde con felicidad
So that the boss (the oppressor) can keep getting rich and happy at our expense.
Riquezas naturales no son para ti
The natural resources are not meant for your benefit (referring to the colonial powers and foreign corporations).
Son para mayor gloria de la United Fruit
They are meant to serve the interests and profits of companies like the United Fruit Company, symbolizing foreign exploitation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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