Latinoamérica Lyrics in English by Calle 13

Cordillera translates to "mountain range." It's a beautiful and powerful word that evokes the vast and majestic geography of Latin America.

In the song, Calle 13 declares, "La espina dorsal del planeta es mi cordillera" (The backbone of the planet is my mountain range). This line personifies the continent, highlighting its strength, resilience, and the immense natural beauty that defines it. It's a word that immediately paints a vivid picture and connects to the song's grand theme of identity and pride.

This song is a massive, sprawling love letter to an entire continent. The singer, Residente from Calle 13, isn't just one person here; he becomes the voice of Latin America itself. He lists everything he is, from the beautiful to the painful. He's the survivor of colonialism, saying, "Soy toda la sobra de lo que se robaron" (I am all that's left of what they stole). He is the land, the people, and the history all at once. The song is packed with specific cultural references, like being "Maradona contra Inglaterra anotándote dos goles" (Maradona against England scoring two goals for you), a legendary moment in soccer history, and even mentions the famous novel Love in the Time of Cholera.

But the core message comes in the chorus, which is a powerful declaration of what cannot be bought or sold. He repeats, "Tú no puedes comprar el viento / Tú no puedes comprar el sol" (You can't buy the wind / You can't buy the sun). This idea extends from nature to human experience: "Tú no puedes comprar mi alegría / Tú no puedes comprar mis dolores" (You can't buy my joy / You can't buy my sorrows). It's a defiant statement against consumerism and foreign exploitation, arguing that the true soul of Latin America—its nature, its culture, its resilience, and its people's feelings—is priceless. The final lines are a powerful summary: "La tierra no se vende" (The land is not for sale).