Song meaning of La cucaracha by Inti-Illimani

The lyrics of the song "La cucaracha" by Inti-Illimani tell the story of a woman, most likely a soldier, who is well-known in the town of Conejos. The lyrics describe the melancholy and defeat of Antonio Zeta, a brave man who is walking through the cheerful streets of the town. The chorus, "La cucaracha, la cucaracha, ya no puede caminar, porque le falta, porque no tiene, marihuana que fumar" (The cockroach, the cockroach, can no longer walk, because it is missing, because it doesn't have marijuana to smoke), suggests that the woman's sense of defeat and sadness may be related to her dependency on drugs. 

As the song progresses, it highlights the silence and contemplation of the three individuals as they navigate their thoughts and the unpredictable twists of fate. The imagery of a lone horse's hooves echoing the dust of the road reinforces the feeling of isolation and loneliness. The lyrics also mention the eagle flying away and leaving the cactus alone, symbolizing the abandonment of love. The final verse reveals the death and burial of the cucaracha, depicted as a sad and forgotten figure carried by four vultures and a sacristan's cat.

Overall, the interpretation of the lyrics may suggest themes of loss, defeat, addiction, and the transient nature of love. The song portrays the harsh realities of life, the passing of time, and the eventual demise of hope in the face of adversity.