Flor del Canelo
Gepe Lyrics

In Gepe Juanita Parra's song "Flor del Canelo," the singer reminisces about someone they have strong feelings for. Whenever they think about this person, they are reminded of rain and the sound of roofs, a simple piece of bread, and a ray of sunlight that illuminates their emotions. The memories of this person's face and voice also flood the singer's mind. The singer believes that when they think of this person, they are reborn and transported to a place where they are with them, under the earth. The connection they share is not just between them, but with the ground, the sky, and all of nature in a state of humility. This person's voice is described as a stem of thorns that is sweet when cooked, adding to the plant metaphor. Throughout the song, the person is referred to as a rose, and the chorus celebrates the rose as an ancient flower from the rose bush that still blooms today.

The second verse shifts from the individual to a national context. The singer brings up the history of Chile and its indigenous people, specifically mentioning the Mapuche people, of which Canelo is a mother. The singer sees current news that brings shame to the nation and is critical of who is giving and taking from the people. Despite the current issues, the singer draws strength from the rose, who has been around much longer than the arrival of Columbus in the year 1492. The rose is a symbol of resilience against colonialism, as it still stands and pricks the sister of Caupolicán, symbolizing resistance against oppression. The chants of "Rosa, siempre rosa, flor espina, de tu rosa" and "Rosa, siempre rosa, flor antigua, del rosal" reiterate the rose's importance and potency as a symbol of resistance and continuity.