La Picadura

The song 'La Picadura' by Damas Gratis, a band known for their Cumbia Villera music—a subgenre of cumbia originating from the shantytowns of Argentina—carries the essence of street culture and the bravado often associated with it. The lyrics are filled with slang and metaphors that reflect a sense of machismo and seduction. The phrase 'Te re cabió' is Argentine slang roughly translating to 'you totally got it' or 'you were totally fooled,' suggesting a triumphant tone where the singer outsmarts someone else, likely another man, by dancing with his girl.

The repeated lines 'A ella le gusta la pikadura, yo soy el dengue que la vacuna' use the metaphor of a mosquito bite ('pikadura') and dengue fever to describe the irresistible allure and impact the singer has on the girl. Dengue is a tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes, and here it symbolizes the infectious nature of the singer's charm, implying that he is the one who can 'inoculate' her with his dance moves and perhaps his love or sexual appeal. The term 'chica pura' further emphasizes the girl's innocence or purity, which is contrasted with the singer's bold claim that she desires his 'pikadura,' a wordplay that also suggests a sexual innuendo.

Overall, 'La Picadura' is a playful and provocative song that uses the language of the streets to convey themes of competition, seduction, and the infectious rhythm of cumbia. Damas Gratis, through their music, often portrays the raw and unfiltered experiences of life in the villas, and this song is no exception. It's a celebration of the culture and the unabashed confidence that comes with it, all set to the danceable beats of Cumbia Villera.