El Beso Negro

The song 'El Beso Negro' by Chabelos is a narrative that unfolds a peculiar and somewhat surreal encounter, blending romance with a hint of dark humor. The lyrics tell the story of a man who meets a stunning woman by the sea, and they share a mysterious experience known as 'el beso negro' or 'the black kiss.' The setting is a typical afternoon in Lima, Peru, where the protagonist is searching for matches to light a 'chicharra' (a slang term that could refer to a joint or a type of firework) and ends up in a bar where he selects a song by Chabelos on the jukebox. The atmosphere becomes romantic, and he encounters a woman who offers him 'el beso negro' in exchange for drugs.

The song takes a turn when the man recounts the aftermath of their encounter, revealing that he has been physically affected by the experience, unable to walk properly. This suggests that 'el beso negro' might be a metaphor for a powerful, possibly taboo, sexual experience that leaves a lasting impact. The man becomes obsessed with the memory, returning to the bar years later only to find that the woman and the old Chabelos record are gone. A bartender cryptically tells him that 'el beso negro' is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the woman will never return.

Chabelos is known for their irreverent and humorous approach to music, often incorporating risqué themes and colloquial language. 'El Beso Negro' is a testament to their style, using vivid storytelling to explore themes of desire, memory, and the pursuit of elusive experiences. The song's catchy refrain, 'yo no tengo la pinga parada shalalala,' which translates to 'I don't have an erection, shalalala,' adds a comedic layer to the otherwise intense narrative, highlighting the band's playful nature.