El Impenetrable

Carlos Ramón Fernandez's song "El Impenetrable" is a poignant and powerful commentary on the social and economic injustices faced by the indigenous Toba people in the Chaco region of Argentina. The song opens with the artist reflecting on a journalist's sorrowful report, which exposes the dire conditions in El Impenetrable. Fernandez criticizes himself and others for their passive acceptance of this suffering, highlighting the starvation and unfulfilled dreams of the region's inhabitants. The imagery of death and despair is stark, painting a vivid picture of a community ravaged by neglect and poverty.

The song delves into historical context, referencing Don Luis Acosta García, a poet from the 1920s who also denounced the suffering of the Chaco people. Fernandez contrasts the technological advancements of the digital age with the persistent inequality and malnutrition that plague the region. He condemns the political and economic systems that prioritize profit and power over human lives, pointing out the hypocrisy of politicians who spend millions on election campaigns while people die from preventable diseases. The lyrics underscore the systemic failures that lead to the death and despair of both the weak and the strong in this forsaken land.

Fernandez's lyrics also address the broader issue of social indifference and the exploitation of the poor. He questions the sincerity of those in power who speak of income distribution while remaining imprisoned by their insatiable greed. The song calls out the lack of basic necessities, such as clean drinking water, for the children of the Chaco. Despite the bleakness, Fernandez acknowledges the efforts of dedicated teachers and priests who work tirelessly to support the community. He criticizes token gestures like small bonuses, advocating for substantial and meaningful change. The song concludes with a powerful statement on the abandonment by the state, suggesting that the authorities have taken the name "El Impenetrable" too seriously, symbolizing their impenetrable indifference to the suffering of the Toba people.