“Victor Jara’s Hands” by Calexico
This track (“Victor Jara’s Hands”) is about the late Chilean singer-songwriter and political activist, Victor Jara. Before he was shot to death, he was brutally tortured by Augusto Pinochet’s soldiers. Having mutilated his hands and fingers, the soldiers went on to mock him in various ways. For example, they threw a guitar at him and asked him to play it, knowing very well that they had mangled his fingers.
The last poem Jara wrote before his brutal death was “Estadio Chile”. In this poem, he describes the horror he’s facing in the moments leading up to the end of his life. One can therefore assume that the music and poems Jara made are what Calexico portrays as “the fruit from Jara’s Hands”.
Composers of “Victor Jara’s Hands”
Jairo Zavala and Joey Burns (who are members of Calexico) are the individuals behind the composing of “Victor Jara’s Hands”.
Date of Release
“Víctor Jara’s Hands” is the first song on the track listing of Calexico’s sixth studio album, which is titled “Carried to Dust”. This album, which wasn’t officially accompanied by any singles, was released on 9th of September, 2008.
THE TORTURE AND MURDER OF VICTOR JARA
Chile was once ruled by leaders who were brutal dictators, though there were a few like Salvador Guillermo Allende Gossens who stood for peace, democracy and freedom.
The nature of the system of dictatorship did not allow for the free exercise of one’s rights. During this time, many who supported a different cause were harassed, tortured and murdered.
Chilean theatre director, musician and poet, Victor Lidio Jara Martinez was one of the victims of this unfortunate act.
On September 11, 1973, Victor was arrested after the Chilean Coup and held prisoner at the Chile stadium. His refusal to denounce his views led to his torture.
As he was being led to the stadium, an army guard lit up a cigarette, ordered Victor to crawl towards it, and stamped on his hands when he attempted to pick it up. His fingers were cut, his face badly bruised, and his lips shattered.
While being tortured, Jara sang anthems written in honor of the future peace and freedom yet to be enjoyed. On September 16, 1973, he was shot to death.
