Tierra de Artigas
Quilapayún Lyrics
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pétalo blanco y azul,
de esta rosa siempre viva
que es América del Sur
Vengan tiranos,
vengan nomás,
que nuestra sangre
Aunque en mi tierra querida
no todo vaya muy bien
yo no me voy de esta tierra
donde siempre estoy de pie.
La tierra del viejo Artigas
aunque tenga que penar
sabe sacar rebeldía
de su propia adversidad.
The lyrics of Quilapayún's song Tierra de Artigas are a celebration of Uruguay, referred to as "pétalo blanco y azul," or a white and blue petal, which is an ode to the country's flag. The song speaks of the country's resilient spirit, which is embodied by the rose of South America. It also acknowledges that not everything in the country is perfect, but that the singer will remain standing on this land regardless of difficulties.
The lyrics also speak of the country's defiant spirit, with the chorus inviting tyrants to come and try to conquer the land, assuring that their blood will be shed on Uruguayan soil. The mention of Artigas, a Uruguayan national hero and the father of the country's independence, reinforces the idea of resistance and defiance against foreign invaders. The song seems to suggest that even in the face of adversity, Uruguay will remain unbowed and resilient.
Overall, the song Tierra de Artigas by Quilapayún celebrates the spirit of Uruguay and its people's unyielding fighting spirit, which has been passed down from generation to generation.
Line by Line Meaning
El Uruguay es mi tierra,
Uruguay is my homeland.
pétalo blanco y azul,
White and blue petals symbolize Uruguay's flag.
de esta rosa siempre viva
Uruguay is a permanent part of South America's history.
que es América del Sur
Uruguay is a part of South America.
Vengan tiranos,
Tyrants, come if you dare.
vengan nomás,
Do not hesitate.
que nuestra sangre
Our blood
los golpeará.
will fight back.
Aunque en mi tierra querida
Even though things are not always perfect in my beloved homeland.
no todo vaya muy bien
Problems exist in Uruguay.
yo no me voy de esta tierra
I will never leave this land.
donde siempre estoy de pie.
Where I always stand tall.
La tierra del viejo Artigas
Uruguay, the land of the legendary hero Artigas.
aunque tenga que penar
Even if it has to struggle.
sabe sacar rebeldía
Uruguay knows how to be rebellious.
de su propia adversidad.
Despite its own adversity.
Contributed by Kaelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.