Cuatro Segundos

Alfredo Olivas' song 'Cuatro Segundos' delves into the gritty and perilous life of a narco-soldier, painting a vivid picture of violence, danger, and survival. The lyrics are a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the protagonist's life, where danger is not just a possibility but a constant companion. The song opens with the protagonist actively seeking out danger, driving through the streets with a heavily armed crew, ready for any confrontation that might come their way. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the ever-present threat and the protagonist's readiness to face it head-on.

The narrative intensifies as the protagonist encounters three armored cars, leading to a violent confrontation. The use of a grenade, which explodes in 'cuatro segundos' (four seconds), symbolizes the swift and brutal nature of their world. The lyrics describe the effectiveness of such weapons in ambushes, highlighting the lethal efficiency required to survive in this environment. The protagonist's reliance on his rifle, which he reloads and fires with precision, further underscores the constant state of alertness and preparedness that defines his existence.

Throughout the song, the protagonist's relationship with death is a recurring theme. Death is personified as a friend and constant companion, always present and never failing. This relationship is a stark reminder of the high stakes and the thin line between life and death in the world of narco-violence. The protagonist's reputation as 'el diablo' (the devil) and the government's relentless pursuit of him add another layer of complexity, portraying him as both a feared and hunted figure. In the end, the song encapsulates the harsh realities of a life steeped in violence, where survival often hinges on a matter of seconds.