Misael Torres
Arley Perez
The Code of Honor in the Underworld: A Look into 'Misael Torres' by Arley Perez
Arley Perez's song 'Misael Torres' delves into the life and ethos of a man deeply entrenched in the world of illicit business. From the outset, the lyrics paint a picture of Misael Torres as someone who has been involved in 'negocios prohibidos' (illegal businesses) since childhood. This early involvement sets the stage for a life lived on the edge, where loyalty and respect are paramount. The phrase 'Puro pa delante pleves' (Always moving forward, kids) encapsulates a forward-thinking, resilient mindset that is crucial for survival in such a world.
The song emphasizes the scarcity of true friends, especially in times of adversity. The lines 'No se ocupan muchos dedos / Pa contarse los amigos' (You don't need many fingers to count your friends) and 'En la cama y en la carcel / Muy pocos estan contigo' (In bed and in jail, very few are with you) highlight the isolation and betrayal that often accompany a life of crime. This sentiment is further reinforced by the idea that respect is a two-way street: 'Le gusta qe lo respeten / Porqe el respeta tambien' (He likes to be respected because he respects others too).
Perez also touches on the superficial nature of societal values, where worth is often measured by material wealth. 'Si tu tienes mucho vales / Si no tienes no te pelan' (If you have a lot, you're worth something; if you don't, they ignore you) speaks to the conditional nature of respect and recognition. The song concludes with a cautionary note about trust, warning that even those closest to you can betray you. 'Tu les brindas la confianza / Y juegan chueco contigo' (You give them your trust, and they play dirty with you) serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of relationships in this high-stakes world.
'Misael Torres' is a raw and unfiltered look at the complexities of life in the underworld, where honor, respect, and loyalty are both hard-earned and easily lost. It serves as a narrative that not only entertains but also offers a glimpse into the moral codes that govern such a life.