Naturaleza muerta

Rubén Blades' song "Naturaleza muerta" is a poignant commentary on environmental destruction and the loss of natural heritage. The lyrics tell the story of the last tree in Brazil, uprooted at just ten months old, symbolizing the end of the vegetal kingdom. This tree, the final remnant of the Matto Grosso forest, is sold to pay off foreign debt, highlighting the tragic prioritization of economic gain over ecological preservation. The tree's departure is marked by a feverish auction, media coverage, and even military honors, underscoring the absurdity and irony of the situation.

The song also touches on the cultural and spiritual loss experienced by the indigenous people who once protected the tree. Their departure, walking over the sea, suggests a profound disconnection from their land and heritage. The painting in the Ministry for Development and Progress, depicting the once-thriving jungle, serves as a haunting reminder of what has been lost. The painter's suicide after completing the artwork further emphasizes the deep sorrow and despair felt by those who witness the destruction of nature.

Blades uses this narrative to criticize the shortsightedness of governmental policies and societal values that prioritize immediate economic benefits over long-term environmental sustainability. The song's melancholic tone and repetitive