Rin Raja
31 Minutos
The Mischievous Thrill of 'Rin Raja'
The song 'Rin Raja' by the Chilean television show and band 31 Minutos captures the essence of a playful and mischievous childhood game. The lyrics describe the act of ringing doorbells and running away before anyone can catch the perpetrator, a prank commonly known as 'ding dong ditch' in some English-speaking countries. The protagonist of the song takes pride in this activity, treating it as a serious and thrilling sport, despite the annoyance it causes to neighbors.
The song humorously elevates the act of ringing doorbells to an art form, requiring 'great skill' and suggesting it should be considered a 'national sport.' The protagonist sees themselves as a 'professional rinraja,' a term coined for the game, and boasts about their speed and stealth, likening themselves to 'a flash of light that crosses the whole city.' This playful exaggeration reflects the innocent pride children often take in their games, regardless of how trivial they may seem to adults.
The song concludes with a twist, as the protagonist reaches a point of exhaustion after ringing an impressive number of doorbells in a single day. The final doorbell they ring is answered by their own mother, suggesting a return to safety and care after a day of adventure. This ending adds a heartwarming element to the song, grounding the child's escapades in the loving context of home and family.