Natural
El Cuarteto de Nos
The Paradox of 'Natural' Living in Modern Society
The song 'Natural' by El Cuarteto de Nos, a band known for their satirical and often socially critical lyrics, delves into the paradoxical idea of what constitutes a 'natural' life in contemporary society. The lyrics repeatedly mention the need to be sedated, intoxicated, or drugged to perform everyday activities, from studying and working to attending social events and dealing with personal emotions. This repetition emphasizes the dependency on substances to cope with the pressures and demands of daily life.
The irony in the song is palpable as the term 'natural' is traditionally associated with purity and being untouched by artificial means. However, the song suggests that reliance on substances has become so normalized that it is ironically considered a 'natural' state of being. The chorus, 'Y no me puedo quejar / Después de todo no me va tan mal / Llevando una vida así, tan natural,' which translates to 'And I can't complain / After all, it's not going so bad / Living a life like this, so natural,' further highlights the acceptance and resignation to this lifestyle, despite its clear contradictions to genuine well-being.
El Cuarteto de Nos uses this song to critique how modern life often requires artificial means to manage its challenges, suggesting a societal failure to address the root causes of stress and dissatisfaction. The song's dark humor and catchy melody serve to both entertain and provoke thought about the state of our collective mental health and the true nature of what we consider 'natural' in our lives today.