Jara, Hernan Culture

Dr Hernan Jara on his Chilean Culture

Music and Philosophy

Gracias a la Vida

A song by Violeta Parra – Gracias a la Vida (Thanks to Life)

“Perhaps the most cherished Chilean poet/singer is the late Violeta Parra who wrote the most intimate poems of love, feelings in general, as well as social injustice. I would love to contribute a song ” (Dr Jara)

Thanks to Life

Translation

Thanks to the life that has given me so much, it
gave me two stars, that when I open them
Perfect distinguish black from white
And in the high sky its starry background
And in the crowds the man I love
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
It has given me the ear that in all its width It
records night and day, crickets and canaries
Hammers, turbines, barks, showers
And the so tender voice of my beloved
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
It has given me the sound and the alphabet
With it the words that I think and declare
Mother, friend, brother, and light illuminating
The path of the soul of the one I am loving
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
It has given me the march of my tired feet
With them I walked cities and puddles
Beaches and deserts, mountains and plains
And your house, your street and your patio
Thanks to life that has given me so much
It gave me the heart that shakes its frame
When I look at the fruit of the human brain
When I look at the good so far from the bad
When I look into the depths of your clear eyes
Thanks to life that has given me so much
It has given me laughter and has given me tears
Thus I distinguish happiness from brokenness
The two materials that make up my song
And your song that is my song
And the song of all that is my own song
Thanks to life that has given me so much