Venceremos facts for kids

Venceremos (which means 'We Shall Prevail' or 'We Will Win' in Spanish) is a famous Chilean political song. It became the official song for the Popular Unity political group in Chile.

The song was first made popular by Chilean music groups like Inti-Illimani and Quilapayún. It was part of a music movement in Chile called nueva canción (new song). This movement used music to share messages and support political ideas. "Venceremos" was especially important in supporting Salvador Allende during the 1970 Chilean presidential election.

The original words for the song were written by Claudio Iturra, and the music was created by Sergio Ortega. Later, the famous artist Víctor Jara changed some of the words to specifically mention Salvador Allende and the Popular Unity. This new version became the anthem for the Popular Unity movement in 1970.

"Venceremos" became very popular in the 1970s. It was translated into many languages, including Portuguese, Italian, Russian, German, and Turkish.

What the Song Means

The song "Venceremos" is all about hope, unity, and fighting for a better future. It encourages people to work together to overcome difficulties and create a fairer society.

Original Song Lyrics

The first version of the song talked about the people of Chile rising up and singing. It remembered brave soldiers and spoke about never betraying their country.

• From the deep heart of our homeland,

The people's voice rises up. A new day is beginning, All of Chile starts to sing.

• Remembering the brave soldier,

Whose example made him immortal, We will face death first, Never betraying our country.

• Chorus:

* We shall prevail, we shall prevail! * A thousand chains we'll have to break. * We shall prevail, we shall prevail! * We know how to overcome hardship.

• Farmers, soldiers, miners,

And the women of our country too, Students, workers, and employees, We will do our duty.

• We will plant the lands with glory,

Socialism will be our future. All together, we will make history, To fulfill, to fulfill, to fulfill!

• Chorus

Campaign Song Lyrics

Víctor Jara changed the words for Salvador Allende's election campaign. This version directly supported Allende and the Popular Unity group.

• Here come all the people of Chile,

Here comes the Popular Unity. Farmer, student, and worker, All our friends join us in song.

• Under our flag,

The women have joined the call. The victorious Popular Unity Will defeat the foreign oppressor.

• Chorus:

* We shall prevail, we shall prevail! * With Allende in September, we'll win! * We shall prevail, we shall prevail! * Power to the Popular Unity!

• With the strength that comes from the people,

We must build a better homeland. To strike, all together and united, For power, for power, for power!

• If the Right wants to ignore

Allende's fair victory, All the people, strong and brave, Will rise up as one.

Turkish Version of the Song

The Turkish band Grup Yorum translated "Venceremos!" into Turkish. This band was formed in 1984 and is known for its political songs.

• The storm breaks the silence.

A sun is rising from the horizon. The people come out of their shanties, All Chile breaks out in song.

• Chorus:

* We shall prevail, we shall prevail! * We must break our chains. * We shall prevail, we shall prevail! * End to oppression and poverty.

• The people are fighting in Chile today,

With all their courage and strength. Down with the murderous government, Long live the Popular Unity!

• Chorus

• Crying for the past is useless.

The future surely belongs to socialism. You will build your tomorrow today, That will be your legacy.

• Chorus

German Version of the Song

There are a few German versions of the song. A well-known one was written by the German poet Hans Georg Albig.

• When the people's cry

Broke free from the heart of the hurt homeland, The sun rose over the mountains, And all of Chile burst into song.

• With the courage of the brave soldier,

Who became immortal even though he died young, We face death itself, For we will never betray our homeland.

• Chorus:

* Venceremos, Venceremos! * Break the chains of the people, come on! * Venceremos, Venceremos! * Free from hardship, greatness is ours.

• We are workers, farmers, and soldiers,

Women, too, stand for the fatherland. We are miners or we are students, Our homeland can truly count on us.

• Socialism will be our future,

History has finally moved forward. Now the harvest of all Chile's fields serves Everyone, everyone, everyone.

• Chorus

See also

In Spanish: Venceremos (desambiguación) para niños