En El Río

Amaral's song 'En El Río' is a poignant reflection on the loss of nature and the passage of time, framed through the lens of personal memory and environmental degradation. The lyrics open with a dream where the narrator's father is alive, and they are fishing together in a river, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler, happier times. This river, which once witnessed generations of families, is now a mere shadow of its former self, reduced to a thin thread of water. The imagery of dragonflies fleeing and the river's diminished state serves as a powerful metaphor for environmental destruction and the loss of natural habitats.

The song continues with the narrator dreaming of swimming downstream to the sea, where they see a loved one smiling on the shore. This vision is bittersweet, as the narrator calls out but is not heard, symbolizing a disconnection from the past and the natural world. The recurring line, 'Las libelulas volaron al exilio en el río' (The dragonflies flew into exile in the river), underscores the theme of displacement and the irreversible changes wrought by human actions. The river, once a vibrant and life-sustaining force, now cries out 'asesinos' (murderers), a stark accusation against those responsible for its decline.

As the song progresses, the imagery shifts to twilight, with fireflies illuminating the river, creating a hauntingly beautiful yet sorrowful scene. The narrator expresses shame and sorrow for what has been done to the river, highlighting a deep sense of loss and responsibility. The repeated refrain of 'asesinos' serves as a powerful indictment of environmental neglect and destruction. Amaral's 'En El Río' is not just a personal lament but a broader commentary on the urgent need to protect and preserve our natural world before it is too late.