El Velorio De Un Coleto
47 Corp
Celebrating Life in the Face of Death: An Analysis of 'El Velorio De Un Coleto'
The song 'El Velorio De Un Coleto' by 47 Corp is a vivid portrayal of how some individuals envision their own death and the subsequent rituals. The lyrics express a desire for a celebration rather than a traditional, somber funeral. The artist wants their passing to be marked with a party, complete with drugs, alcohol, and music, reflecting a desire to be remembered with joy and revelry rather than sorrow and tears. The term 'coleto' is a colloquial term that can refer to someone from a particular social group or background, often associated with street culture.
The song's narrative rejects conventional mourning practices like novenas and rosaries, instead opting for a nine-night celebration with friends in the neighborhood. The artist's wishes for their funeral include having money in their pockets, enjoying tobacco and alcohol, and even having a humorous epitaph. The lyrics also mention not wanting flowers or candles, suggesting a preference for tangible, lively expressions of remembrance over traditional symbols of grief. The song's chorus emphasizes the point that there's no need for flowers when one is already dead, reinforcing the theme of living life to the fullest and being remembered for the vibrancy one brought to the world.
Cultural references, such as the mention of Celia Cruz and Héctor Lavoe, anchor the song within a Latin American context, where music is often a central element of both celebrations and mourning. The song challenges the listener to consider alternative ways of dealing with death, focusing on legacy and the continuation of one's spirit through the memories shared by loved ones. It's a call to celebrate life, even in death, and to keep the deceased's spirit alive through music and dance.