The song "Pare" by Joan Manuel Serrat portrays a heartfelt conversation between a child and their father, expressing concern about the destruction of nature and the impending consequences. The lyrics are a plea for the father to explain what has been done to the river and the forest, as they have lost their beauty and vitality. The child asks about the river, which used to sing and flow freely but now seems lifeless, covered in white foam. They then inquire about the forest, where there are no trees left, and how this absence will affect their ability to have fire in winter or find a place to rest in the summer. The child expresses sadness and a desire to revive the river and the forest before it gets dark or before summer arrives. The chorus of the song highlights the desperation of the situation, as the child mentions that without firewood and fish, they will have to resort to burning their boat and cultivating crops in ruins. They also have to secure their house tightly. These actions signify the desperate measures they will have to take to survive in a world devoid of nature's resources. The child emphasizes that without pine trees, no pine nuts or birds can exist, and without flowers, bees cannot make wax or honey. The absence of these elements shows the damaging impact on the ecosystem, leading to a disrupted cycle of life. The child laments that the countryside is no longer what it used to be, and tomorrow the sky will rain blood, symbolizing the dire consequences of environmental destruction. Despite the bleakness, the child tries to console the father by stating that the monsters of flesh with iron worms should not be feared. They urge the father to deny that this destruction is occurring and reassures that they will wait for change. However, the child acknowledges that the earth is being killed and begs the father to stop crying, as they are already at war. Overall, the song "Pare" reflects the concern for the degradation of the natural world and its implications for future generations. It highlights the urgency to address environmental issues and restore harmony with nature before irreparable damage is done.
