Leve
Cartel de Santa
The Bittersweet Regret of 'Leve'
The song 'Leve' by Cartel de Santa, a Mexican hip hop group known for their gritty lyrics and urban storytelling, delves into the complex emotions of regret and longing after a breakup. The lyrics convey a sense of loss and the difficulty of moving on, despite the acknowledgment of personal flaws that contributed to the relationship's end. The narrator expresses a deep yearning for their former partner, admitting to missing them 'un leve' (a little), which suggests a downplayed but significant sense of loss.
Throughout the song, the narrator grapples with their inability to change their ways, particularly their infidelity, which is a recurring theme. They recognize that their actions are irreversible and that apologies cannot undo the past. The use of phrases like 'no ser mujeriego' (not being a womanizer) and 'como quisiera cambiar' (how I wish I could change) highlights the internal conflict between the desire to be different and the acceptance of their true nature. The song's tone is one of resignation, as the narrator seems to accept the consequences of their actions, including the loss of the relationship.
The cultural context of the song is also important, as Cartel de Santa often addresses themes of machismo and the complexities of romantic relationships within the framework of urban Mexican culture. The raw honesty in the lyrics, combined with the group's signature sound, creates a poignant narrative of love, loss, and the struggle for personal transformation. 'Leve' is not just a song about missing someone; it's a reflection on personal shortcomings and the painful realization that sometimes love is not enough to overcome them.