Plástico (part. Willie Colon)

Rubén Blades, a Panamanian singer, songwriter, actor, and politician, is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and his contributions to the genre of salsa. His song 'Plástico' is a sharp social commentary on superficiality and materialism, particularly within Latin American society. The song's title, 'Plástico,' which translates to 'Plastic,' is a metaphor for the artificial and superficial nature of the characters he describes.

The lyrics paint a picture of individuals obsessed with appearances, wealth, and social status. The 'plastic' woman is fixated on marrying a doctor for financial security and is only concerned with high-end brands like Chanel. The 'plastic' man is preoccupied with his image, discussing trivial matters such as car brands, and is willing to sacrifice basic needs to maintain appearances. Together, they form a 'plastic' couple, living in a facade, teaching their child discriminatory values, and drowning in debt to keep up with societal expectations.

Blades extends the metaphor to describe a 'plastic' city, a place devoid of genuine emotion, where people are more concerned with money than with human connection. The song concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to resist selling out for comfort and wealth, to seek deeper understanding, and to remember that true character is not always visible on the surface. Blades emphasizes the importance of education, hard work, and unity in overcoming the 'plastic' values that have been imposed by external influences. The song is a rallying cry for cultural pride and authenticity, rejecting the superficial values that can erode personal and collective identity.