Pórtate Bien
Alex Zurdo
Living Right: A Call to Spiritual Readiness in 'Pórtate Bien'
Alex Zurdo's song 'Pórtate Bien' is a compelling call to live a righteous life, grounded in Christian faith and readiness for the return of Jesus Christ. The lyrics emphasize the transient nature of earthly pleasures and the importance of spiritual preparedness. The song opens with a reflection on the common saying that life should be lived to the fullest, but it quickly counters this by suggesting that true life requires a form of spiritual death and a commitment to walking the narrow path of righteousness.
The recurring metaphor of 'the cloud' serves as a symbol for the divine presence and the eventual return of Jesus. Zurdo warns that earthly indulgences, represented by 'the note' that 'sube y sube' (rises and rises), can distract from spiritual readiness. The imagery of there being no 'escalera ni uber' (ladder nor Uber) to reach the divine realm underscores the idea that material means cannot achieve spiritual ends. Instead, the song urges listeners to reject evil and seek a relationship with Jesus, who offers redemption and peace that cannot be found in worldly pursuits.
The song also addresses the futility of seeking fulfillment in temporary pleasures, such as alcohol, and contrasts this with the lasting peace found in faith. The line 'Tu alma tiene tos y la cruz tiene el jarabe' (Your soul has a cough and the cross has the syrup) poignantly illustrates the healing power of Jesus' sacrifice. By urging listeners to 'pórtate bien' (behave well) and seek God now, Zurdo emphasizes the urgency of spiritual readiness, as 'nadie sabe el día ni la hora' (no one knows the day or the hour) of Jesus' return.