Progreso

Roberto Carlos' song 'Progreso' is a poignant reflection on the state of the world and humanity's impact on the environment. The lyrics express a deep desire to change the destructive patterns of human behavior and to live in harmony with nature. The song's title, which translates to 'Progress' in English, is an ironic take on the concept of progress, as the artist questions the kind of progress that leads to environmental degradation and social injustice.

The song's verses are filled with wishes to rectify the wrongs of the world, such as calming a 'terrible beast' or embracing one's greatest enemy. These metaphors could represent the internal and external conflicts that humanity faces, including the struggle to overcome greed and shortsightedness. The repeated line 'Yo quisiera ser civilizado como los animales' (I would like to be civilized like the animals) suggests that animals, living in balance with their ecosystems, are ironically more 'civilized' in their behaviors than humans, who often disrupt the natural order for economic gain.

The latter part of the song shifts to a critique of the consequences of irresponsible progress, such as oil spills, the arms trade, and the loss of biodiversity. The artist insists that he is not against progress itself but advocates for a 'good consensus'—a sustainable and ethical approach to development. The song is a call to action for a more thoughtful and less harmful way of advancing society, where progress does not come at the expense of the planet and future generations.