POLICÍA, POLICÍA

The song 'POLICÍA, POLICÍA' by El Mouse is a raw depiction of the street life and the constant tension between the youth, particularly those in the underground scene, and the police. The lyrics paint a picture of a society where the presence of law enforcement is both pervasive and oppressive, as indicated by the repeated line 'Policía, policía de noche y de día, bolillo ventiao' which suggests police are always on duty, ready to wield their batons ('bolillo') against the people. The phrase 'bolillo ventiao' could be interpreted as a colloquial way to describe the police's readiness to use force. The artist's use of the term 'hijueputa' is a strong insult in Spanish, reflecting the deep-seated animosity towards the police. The mention of the UPJ, which stands for 'Unidad Permanente de Justicia,' a type of detention center in Colombia, along with the number '24,' likely refers to a 24-hour detention for minor offenses, emphasizing the arbitrary power the police have to disrupt lives over trivial matters.

The song also delves into the escapism found in drug use, with references to smoking marijuana ('bareto') and the temporary relief it provides from the harsh realities of the ghetto. The line 'Y esta puta vida me la pongo de ruana' suggests a sense of taking control over one's difficult life through substance use. The artist also touches on the symbiotic relationship between crime and law enforcement, implying that one cannot exist without the other, as seen in the lines 'Donde no hay putas no hay alegría / Donde no hay ladrones no hay policías.' This could be a commentary on the social structures that perpetuate both vice and the need for policing.

El Mouse's portrayal of the barrio Santa Fe, a neighborhood known for its red-light district in Bogotá, Colombia, adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The lyrics are filled with local slang and references to specific places, grounding the song in a real context. The chaotic nature of the street life is further illustrated through the story of a friend being beaten and robbed by the police, highlighting the corruption and violence that is often associated with law enforcement in such areas. The song ends with a rhetorical question 'Pero, ¿por qué? Por huevón, cómo no,' which sarcastically answers why the abuse happens, simply because they can, underscoring the sense of resignation and injustice felt by those targeted.