Tempestades de Sal

The song 'Tempestades de Sal' by Sés, a Galician singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, is a poignant reflection on struggle, resilience, and the desire for liberation. The title itself, which translates to 'Storms of Salt,' suggests a painful or bitter experience, as salt can represent both the tears shed in suffering and the sting of life's challenges.

The lyrics paint a picture of a land burdened by the weight of oppression, where modern-day 'caciques' (chieftains) and 'mecenas do mal' (patrons of evil) exploit and subjugate the people. The imagery of a landscape tainted with tar that the sea cannot cleanse evokes a sense of deep-rooted corruption and environmental degradation. Despite the hardships, there is a strong undercurrent of hope and a collective yearning for a moment of liberation. The song speaks to the enduring spirit of the people who continue to resist the 'violência de mans' (violence of hands) of the oppressors, metaphorically referred to as 'serpes e cans' (snakes and dogs), who seek to silence them.

The recurring chorus emphasizes the ongoing struggle, as the community endures the metaphorical 'tempestades de sal' and clings to the dream of an Edenic island, a symbol of peace and freedom. This island, amidst the darkness of mourning, represents a beacon of light that dispels the fear of fighting and the pain of exile. Sés's song is a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced, encouraging them to remember their identity and to keep fighting for a new beginning.