Reina Madre

Raúl Porchetto's 'Reina Madre' is a poignant song that delves into the psyche of a soldier sent to war, reflecting on the nature of conflict and the imperialistic undertones that often drive it. The song opens with a soldier bidding farewell to his mother, heading to the south of the Atlantic as commanded by his kingdom. This is a clear reference to the Falklands War (known as the Malvinas War in Argentina), where Argentine forces were sent to the south Atlantic to reclaim the Falkland Islands from British rule. The 'reina madre' or 'queen mother' in the title likely refers to the British monarchy, symbolizing the imperial power behind the conflict.

The lyrics contrast the soldier's initial confidence, bolstered by the might of military power, with his growing realization of shared humanity with the enemy. Phrases like 'Somos distintos, Somos mejores' (We are different, we are better) capture the indoctrination that soldiers often undergo, only to be shattered by the reality of war, where the soldier sees that the enemy is just like him, loving their land. The song also criticizes the detachment of those in power, as life for the queen and the parliament continues undisturbed, enjoying the arts and maintaining the status quo, while soldiers fight and die.

Ultimately, 'Reina Madre' is a powerful commentary on the futility and tragedy of war. It questions the reasons behind fighting, the killing, and the distance from home that soldiers endure. Porchetto uses the soldier's voice to highlight the stark contrast between the front lines and the unaffected, serene life of the ruling class, emphasizing the human cost of political and territorial disputes.