Querida Muerte (No Nos Maten)
Renee Goust
A Plea for Safety: The Harrowing Reality of Femicide in 'Querida Muerte (No Nos Maten)'
Renee Goust's song 'Querida Muerte (No Nos Maten)' is a poignant and powerful commentary on the pervasive fear and danger that women face in their daily lives due to gender-based violence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the constant vigilance and anxiety that women must endure, questioning whether it's safer to walk quickly or to avoid certain streets altogether. This reflects the harsh reality where every decision can be a matter of life and death.
The song delves into the societal expectations and warnings that women receive from a young age. Goust mentions her mother's advice to be cautious at night and to watch her drinks, highlighting the ingrained fear of being harmed. This contrasts sharply with the lack of similar warnings for her brothers, underscoring the gender disparity in perceived and real threats. The repeated plea to 'Querida Muerte' (Dear Death) not to come today is a heart-wrenching cry for safety and survival in a world where being alive is considered a stroke of luck.
Goust also addresses the frustration and anger that comes from the lack of justice for victims of gender-based violence. Despite numerous reports and complaints, perpetrators often remain free, continuing to pose a threat. The song's chorus, 'No nos maten' (Don't kill us), is a desperate call for an end to the violence and a demand for systemic change. Through her evocative lyrics, Goust not only sheds light on the grim reality faced by women but also calls for solidarity and action to combat femicide and ensure safety for all.