Oyelo

In Bahiano's song "Oyelo," the lyrics delve into the theme of reputation and the societal judgment that follows an individual perceived as a wrongdoer. The repeated phrase "¡Lo dicen!" ("They say it!") underscores the constant chatter and gossip surrounding the protagonist, who is labeled a "rufián" (ruffian). This term suggests a person of ill repute, someone who has perhaps committed wrongs in the past and is now the subject of public scrutiny and condemnation.

The song paints a vivid picture of how society reacts to those it deems as sinners or outcasts. The lines "Dicen que no eres más que un simulador / Que mantenés la marca del pecador" ("They say you are nothing but a pretender / That you bear the mark of the sinner") highlight the harsh judgments and the stigma that follows the protagonist. The community's attempts to distance themselves from the ruffian, even resorting to witchcraft and invoking San La Muerte, a folk saint associated with death, to protect themselves, illustrate the lengths to which people will go to avoid perceived evil.

Bahiano's musical style, often infused with reggae and Latin rhythms, adds a layer of irony and rhythm to the song's serious subject matter. The repetitive chorus "Óyelo... como se habla de ti" ("Hear it... how they talk about you") serves as a haunting reminder of the protagonist's inescapable reputation. The song ultimately reflects on the power of societal judgment and the struggle for redemption, questioning whether one can ever truly escape their past in the eyes of others.