¿Porque Te Tatuatis?

Don Choto's song ¿Porque Te Tatuatis? is a vivid narrative that delves into the generational and cultural clash surrounding tattoos. The song tells the story of a father who is shocked to see his son return from the north, where he had been imprisoned, covered in tattoos. The father's reaction is a mix of disbelief and dismay, as he struggles to understand his son's choices and the changes that have occurred during his absence. The song is set against the backdrop of a family celebration, which turns into a moment of confrontation and reflection.

The lyrics describe various tattoos on the son's body, each with its own story or significance. From the initials of Los Angeles and his mother's name on his neck to a Westside chest tattoo and a teardrop on his face, the tattoos represent different aspects of the son's experiences and affiliations. The father's questions, '¿Por que te tatuatis?' (Why do you tattoo yourself?), '¿Por que te pintatis?' (Why do you paint yourself?), and '¿Por que te rayatis?' (Why do you mark yourself?), are met with a simple 'Pos nomás' (Just because), highlighting a communication gap and a lack of understanding between the two generations.

The song is a cultural commentary on the stigma that tattoos can carry, especially within traditional communities. It reflects the father's fear that his son's tattoos could lead to negative stereotypes or even danger, as he mentions the possibility of being mistaken for a gang member by the police. The repeated line 'Ya te desgraciatis' (You've disgraced yourself) and the English phrase 'You are stupid for us' underscore the father's perception that his son has made a life-altering mistake. Don Choto's storytelling through music offers a window into the complexities of identity, family expectations, and the search for belonging, all woven into the fabric of body art.