El País

Rubén Blades' song 'El País' is a poignant critique of the systemic corruption and social inequality that plague his homeland. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a country that was never inherently poor but has been impoverished by the actions of its leaders. These leaders, described as wearing 'silk ties' and living in 'plastic mansions,' symbolize the elite class that has exploited the nation's resources for their gain. Blades uses the metaphor of 'words of copper' to illustrate how these leaders have devalued the truth and manipulated the populace into accepting their dire circumstances as inevitable.

The song delves deeper into the moral bankruptcy of these leaders, who are depicted as having 'impermeable souls' and viewing the suffering of others as 'obscene.' This detachment from the plight of the common people is further emphasized by their hypocritical behavior, such as attending church on Sundays while continuing to exploit and oppress. Blades highlights the cyclical nature of this corruption, noting how the elite marry among themselves to create new generations of rulers, perpetuating a system where the poor are blamed for their poverty simply because they were 'born without money.'

Blades also calls out the complicity of the general populace, stating that 'we are all responsible' for allowing these leaders to 'burp our dreams.' This line serves as a powerful reminder that societal change requires collective action and accountability. The repeated refrain about selling and being defeated underscores the idea that true defeat comes from compromising one's values and integrity. Through 'El País,' Blades not only condemns the corrupt elite but also urges his listeners to recognize their power and responsibility in challenging and changing the status quo.