Va Como Va

Luis Eduardo Aute's song 'Va Como Va' is a poignant reflection on the decline of culture, art, and humanity in the face of modern materialism and destruction. The song opens with a sense of despair, as the narrator's friend enters with a voice filled with sorrow, eyes like the bottom of a glass, and a dead gaze. This imagery sets the tone for the song, highlighting the emotional weight of the message. The friend hands over a newspaper, revealing the tragic news of Lisbon burning and the destruction of Pessoa's legacy, symbolizing the loss of cultural heritage.

The song continues with the friend expressing a deep existential crisis, feeling like neither himself nor anyone else, and lamenting the inability of Europe to withstand the metaphorical fire. This reflects a broader commentary on the disintegration of identity and unity in the face of overwhelming challenges. The repeated phrase 'va como va' (it goes as it goes) underscores a sense of resignation and inevitability, as if the decline is unstoppable and must be accepted with dignity.

Aute's lyrics also critique the dominance of money over all other values, with the friend angrily declaring that there is no higher authority than 'the damned money.' This sentiment is further emphasized by the idea that art, poetry, and beauty have become strange and almost magical words, losing their significance in a world where even paradise can be destroyed for financial gain. The song's melancholic tone and vivid imagery paint a bleak picture of a world where cultural and artistic treasures are sacrificed for materialistic pursuits, leaving a void where once there was richness and meaning.