Tren al sur

The sound of _Tren al sur_ invites you on a journey, almost as if you were sitting in that carriage heading south. The musical foundation has an energy reminiscent of _New Order_, specifically their track _Touched by the Hand of God_, but with its own twist. What's interesting is how this atmosphere was built: it was recorded in Los Angeles studios, marking the first time Los Prisioneros worked outside of Chile for a complete project. Argentine producer Gustavo Santaolalla contributed key ideas, such as the inclusion of a charango. Although this instrument is usually more associated with northern Chile, its presence here aimed to give the song a distinctive Latin American nuance.

The lyrics of _Tren al sur_ are an intimate look at the memories of Jorge González, who wrote it thinking about a personal journey. He reflects on his childhood and the hope of reconnecting with nature, at a time in his life marked by a complex romantic relationship. The phrase "Y no me digas pobre por ir viajando así" (And don't call me poor for traveling like this) alludes to the choice of the train as a popular mode of transport at a time when the state railway network was in decline. Although the song premiered in May 1990, it is said that Carlos Fonseca and Jorge González sent it to radio stations in late 1989, but there was initial resistance to airing it, as Los Prisioneros were perceived as a band from the past. It was the release of their music video, directed by Cristián Galaz and filmed at Estación Central in Santiago, that finally boosted its dissemination and made it a hit in Latin America.