El Progreso

In 'El Progreso,' Amistades Peligrosas delivers a poignant critique of modern society's destructive tendencies and a heartfelt plea for a more harmonious existence. The song opens with a series of wishes, expressing a desire to tame a 'terrible beast' and transform the impossible. These lines metaphorically represent the artist's yearning to address and resolve the overwhelming challenges and injustices in the world. The mention of wanting to embrace one's greatest enemy highlights a deep longing for reconciliation and peace.

The lyrics then shift to environmental concerns, lamenting the dark clouds, oil spills, and the extinction of whales due to commercial greed. The repeated wish to be 'civilized like animals' serves as a powerful metaphor, suggesting that animals, in their natural state, live in harmony with their environment, unlike humans who often exploit and destroy it. This contrast underscores the artist's frustration with humanity's failure to protect the planet and its inhabitants.

As the song progresses, it addresses broader societal issues, such as the arms trade and the prevalence of death and violence. The artist expresses a desire to speak of joy instead of sadness but admits an inability to do so, reflecting a sense of helplessness in the face of pervasive negativity. The refrain, 'I am not against progress if there were a good consensus,' encapsulates the central message: progress should not come at the cost of ethical and environmental degradation. The song calls for a balanced approach to advancement, one that respects both human and ecological well-being.