Sergio Cadena Gonzalez's "Afuera"
Sergio Cadena Gonzalez (Brooklyn, New York) is originally from Monterrey, Mexico, a city recently cited as the most polluted in the world according to the Air Quality Index. Afuera is an original composition that “reflects my journey across diverse landscapes, addressing the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on local and global communities.”
“Residing in New York City and attending New York University, originally from Monterrey, Mexico – a city recently cited as the most polluted in the world according to the Air Quality Index – I present "Afuera" to the Portland Museum of Art. This song reflects my journey across diverse landscapes, addressing the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on local and global communities.”
Lyrics (Original in Spanish and English Translation):
Hoy afuera brilla el sol
Hace calor
Montañas verdes
Mil aves vuelan
Un ligero aire pasa
Las hojas caen
Flores marchitan
La noche viene
Cuanto tiempo habrá
para salvar nuestro hogar
Cielos tiñen mares los responsables van a ahogar
El invierno cubre todo
Ya no se ve
Último árbol
Se hace leña
A cenizas regresamos
Nada dejamos
En algún lugar
Algo florece
Cuanto tiempo habrá
para salvar nuestro hogar
Cielos tiñen mares los responsables van a ahogar
English Translation:
Today outside the sun shines brightly,
It's warm.
Green mountains,
A thousand birds fly.
A light breeze passes,
Leaves fall,
Flowers wither.
Night comes.
How much time will there be
To save our home?
Skies stain the seas, the guilty will drown.
Winter covers
Everything,
Nothing is visible anymore.
The last tree
Turns to firewood,
To ashes we return,
Leaving nothing behind.
Somewhere,
Something blooms.
How much time will there be
To save our home?
Skies stain the seas, the guilty will drown.
Artistic Statement:
"Afuera" is a studio recording that weaves together the rich heritage of Mexican music with the dynamic cultural mosaic of New York City. The song unfolds a compelling and emotive narrative about the splendor of our natural world and the critical need to safeguard it. An instrumental bridge within "Afuera" captures the essence of nature's tranquility and idyllic beauty. This part of the composition, contrasting sharply with the themes of environmental degradation, serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of our natural world and what is at stake.
In vivid lyrical and musical strokes, "Afuera" illustrates the progression from the lush vibrancy of nature to a state of barren desolation – a metaphor for the ongoing climate crisis. The song asserts that even in the aftermath of human impact, nature's indomitable spirit will prevail, rising once again to reclaim its rightful place.
This piece is an urgent call to action, deeply resonating with communities facing environmental challenges in Monterrey and New York. It speaks to the shared responsibility of addressing the global climate crisis and the role of individuals and communities in this vital endeavor.
Personal Reflection:
Creating "Afuera" has been a transformative journey, significantly deepening my commitment to environmental advocacy. My unique experiences, straddling life in New York while maintaining a deep connection to Monterrey, have afforded me a distinct perspective on the urgency of environmental action. "Afuera" is my contribution to the worldwide conversation on sustainability and a testament to music's profound impact in driving meaningful change.