Cuervo Ingenuo (part. Javier Krahe)

The song 'Cuervo Ingenuo' by Joaquín Sabina, featuring Javier Krahe, is a poignant critique of political hypocrisy and broken promises. The lyrics are presented as a dialogue or a series of observations about a political figure who, before being elected, promises significant changes, such as withdrawing from NATO, but once in power, retracts these promises and justifies the status quo as beneficial. The song uses the metaphor of the 'white man' speaking with a 'serpent's tongue' to suggest deceit and betrayal, drawing on the imagery of Native American folklore where the serpent is often associated with trickery. The repeated phrase 'Hombre blanco hablar con lengua de serpiente' emphasizes the theme of dishonesty.

The 'cuervo ingenuo' or 'naive raven' in the song's title and chorus likely represents the common people or the voters who believed in the empty promises. The raven refuses to 'smoke the peace pipe' with the deceitful leader, indicating a refusal to accept lies and false reconciliation. The invocation of 'Manitú,' a spiritual and fundamental life force in Native American lore, underscores the gravity of the leader's betrayal and the sacredness of trust and honesty.

Sabina's song is not just a narrative about a specific political situation; it's a broader commentary on the nature of political promises and the disillusionment that follows when those promises are broken. The song's critique extends to issues such as unemployment, police brutality, and military spending, pointing out the inconsistency between the leader's socialist and worker-oriented rhetoric and their actions that align with capitalist and imperialist interests. 'Cuervo Ingenuo' remains relevant as it reflects the universal experience of voters who feel let down by their leaders.