LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii

Bad Bunny Bad Bunny

Cultural and Territorial Resistance in 'LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii'

The song 'LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii' by Bad Bunny offers a deep reflection on the struggle for the preservation of Puerto Rico's identity and natural resources, using a combination of poetic imagery and social critique. Through its lyrics, Bad Bunny articulates the pain of the Puerto Rican people in the face of external exploitation and forced displacement, while also celebrating the island's beauty and resilience.

The song directly references the colonization of Hawaii and the historical processes of exploitation of tropical territories, such as Puerto Rico. The line 'Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa' reflects the desire of external forces to appropriate the island's natural resources, like rivers and beaches, and privatize these spaces, something that has already occurred in other parts of the world, like in Hawaii. The struggle against the loss of territory is central to the song, and Bad Bunny suggests that Puerto Ricans are facing a similar battle, with threats of a future where their land and culture may be diluted.

It is possible to notice the intention to highlight such factors also in the music video available on YouTube, which provides information about the colonization of Hawaii by the United States, occurring at the same time as the invasion of Puerto Rico. According to the video, a large workforce was sought in Puerto Rico during that period, and people committed to work without knowing where they were going. Endemic animal species of Puerto Rico, which suffered greatly from these events, are also mentioned, with emphasis on the frog concho and the coquí, the latter being a species of frog with one of the country's most emblematic sounds. It discusses how, in addition to people, many animals also migrated; furthermore, many species became extinct or endangered due to environmental changes driven by urbanization, which also impacts climate issues.

The repetition of 'No, no suelte' la bandera ni olvide' el lelolai' is a call for Puerto Ricans not to lose their cultural identity, represented by the flag and the traditional 'le-lo-lai' song. This Christmas song, which traces its roots to Afro-Puerto Rican traditions, symbolizes resistance and the preservation of local culture. Bad Bunny not only warns against forgetting culture, but also connects this with the fight for the survival of a unique identity amidst external pressures. The reference to the flag also relates to Law 53 of 1948, which prohibited the display and possession of the Puerto Rican flag.

The pain of displacement is evident in several verses of the song, especially in the lament of those who were forced to leave Puerto Rico, as exemplified by the line 'No quería irse pa' Orlando, pero el corrupto lo echó'. This reflects the reality of many Puerto Ricans who, due to economic and social policies, are forced to migrate to places like Orlando, but still feel a strong connection to their homeland. The line 'Aquí, nadie quiso irse, y quien se fue, sueña con volver' reinforces the nostalgia and desire to return, something common among emigrants who, despite being physically distant, carry in their hearts the hope of returning home.

Bad Bunny also describes Puerto Rico's beauty, comparing its beaches and mountains to celebratory elements like champagne and alcohol, which, besides symbolizing moments of joy, also serve as metaphors for healing the wounds caused by life's hardships. 'La espuma de sus orilla' parecieran de champán' and 'Son alcohol pa' las heridas', porque hay mucho que sanar' are poetic images conveying the idea that Puerto Rico's beauty has a healing power, but is also under constant threat. The island's fragility is represented by the ongoing struggle to protect its land and culture from external forces trying to destroy what is unique.

The song is, therefore, a cry of resistance. Bad Bunny not only denounces external threats, but also makes an emotional appeal for Puerto Ricans to unite in preserving their land and culture. The line 'Ten cuida'o, Luis, ten cuida'o' is a personal alert, a reminder that everyone must be aware of the threats they face, both individually and collectively.

'LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii' is not only a critique of exploitation and colonization, but also a celebration of cultural resistance and the fight to preserve identity. The song conveys the pain of displacement but also exalts the strength of the Puerto Rican people, who continue to fight for their land, roots, and culture. Bad Bunny uses his platform to give voice to this resistance, reminding everyone of the importance of protecting what is ours and not allowing history to repeat itself, as it did with Hawaii.

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  1. BOKeTE
  2. PIToRRO DE COCO
  3. BAILE INoLVIDABLE
  4. TURiSTA
  5. DtMF
  6. LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii
  7. KLOuFRENS
  8. VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR
  9. PERFuMITO NUEVO (feat. RaiNao)
  10. EoO
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