Así Como Hoy Matan Negros
Victor Jara Lyrics
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Antes fueron mexicanos
Así matando chilenos
Nicaragüenses, peruanos
Se desataban los gringos
Con instintos inhumanos
Se desataban los gringos
Con instintos inhumanos
Quién les disputa el terreno
Y quién de frente los reta
Quién les disputa el terreno
Y quién de frente los reta
Es un bandido chileno
Es nuestro Joaquín Murieta
Es un bandido chileno
Es nuestro Joaquín Murieta
Un día por la vereda
Pasó un caballo de seda
Ahora por los caminos
Galopa nuestro destino
Y como dos amapolas
Se encendieron sus pistolas
Y como dos amapolas
Se encendieron sus pistolas
The lyrics to Victor Jara's song "Asi Como Hoy Matan Negros" explore themes of violence, oppression, and resistance. The opening lines, "Así como hoy matan negros / Antes fueron mexicanos / Así matando chilenos / Nicaragüenses, peruanos," highlight the history of violence and colonization inflicted by the powerful on people of color. Jara acknowledges that this violence has been ongoing, with different groups being targeted at different times, while the perpetrators remain constant - "Se desataban los gringos / Con instintos inhumanos."
The second verse focuses on resistance to this violence, acknowledging that those who challenge the power of the oppressors are often labeled as "bandidos". Jara's use of the term "bandido chileno" to refer to Joaquín Murieta reflects a historical figure who was viewed as both a criminal and a hero, a common trope in colonialist narratives. Jara's choice to elevate Murieta as a symbol of resistance against the oppressors is a powerful statement about the importance of standing up against injustice, even when it means being labeled a criminal.
The final verse brings the conversation back to the present, with Jara suggesting that the struggle against oppression is ongoing - "Ahora por los caminos / Galopa nuestro destino." The image of two pistols being lit up like flowers reinforces the idea of resistance as both beautiful and dangerous. Ultimately, these lyrics paint a picture of a violent history of colonialism and oppression, but also offer a message of resistance and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Así como hoy matan negros
Just like how they kill black people today
Antes fueron mexicanos
Previously, it was Mexicans
Así matando chilenos
In the same way, they are killing Chileans
Nicaragüenses, peruanos
Also killing Nicaraguans and Peruvians
Se desataban los gringos
The Americans were unleashed
Con instintos inhumanos
With inhumane instincts
Quién les disputa el terreno
Who challenges their authority
Y quién de frente los reta
And who confronts them directly
Es un bandido chileno
It's a Chilean bandit
Es nuestro Joaquín Murieta
It is our Joaquín Murieta
Un día por la vereda
One day on the path
Pasó un caballo de seda
A silk horse passed by
Ahora por los caminos
Now, on the roads
Galopa nuestro destino
Our destiny gallops
Y como dos amapolas
And like two poppies
Se encendieron sus pistolas
Their guns lit up
Y como dos amapolas
And like two poppies
Se encendieron sus pistolas
Their guns lit up
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nicolas Cifuentes
Esta canción la escucho antes de ir a luchar a primera línea , les disputamos el terreno para defender a nuestra gente , la lucha continúa la liberación de la clase obrera y explotada.
SuperChuchutrain
victor jara asta la victoria siempre
El loko edu
Símbolo de libertad y resistencia latinoamericana... hoy en chile, somos todos murieta!!
Mi Tr
👍👍👍
Nino Atreyu
Grande victor
Raul Zarate
Te quiero Chile
Luis Ahumada
Joaquín Murieta chileno... Mish