El Tatuado
Don Cheto
The Marked Man: A Tale of Tattoos and Family Shock
The song "El Tatuado" by Don Cheto tells the story of a family welcoming back their eldest son after a five-year absence due to imprisonment. The family is initially overjoyed at his return, having prepared a celebration at home. However, their excitement turns to shock when they see the extent of his tattoos, which cover much of his body. The song is a humorous and exaggerated take on the cultural clash between the older, more traditional generation and the younger generation's expression of identity through body art.
The lyrics describe various tattoos on the son's body, each with its own story or significance, such as the initials of Los Angeles, his mother's name, a cross commemorating a fallen friend, and other symbols like a dragon, Aztec calendar, and the phrase 'vato loco'. The father's reaction is a mix of bewilderment and dismay, questioning why his son would permanently mark his body in such a way, and humorously contemplating extreme measures to remove the tattoos.
"El Tatuado" reflects on themes of identity, generational differences, and the stigma that can be associated with tattoos in certain cultures. It also touches on the fear that the son's appearance might lead to negative encounters with law enforcement. The song uses a playful tone to address serious issues, such as the judgment and misunderstanding that can arise from personal choices like getting tattoos.