Asi Es La Vida
Ñengo Flow
The Harsh Realities of Street Life in 'Asi Es La Vida'
Ñengo Flow's song 'Asi Es La Vida' delves deep into the gritty and often perilous realities of life in the streets. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where survival is a daily struggle, and the stakes are incredibly high. The recurring line 'Así es la vida' (That's life) serves as a resigned acknowledgment of the harsh conditions and the inevitability of violence and danger in this environment. The song emphasizes the importance of heeding advice and staying vigilant to avoid an untimely death, a fate that many in the neighborhood face regularly.
The song is rich with metaphors and vivid imagery that highlight the constant presence of danger. Phrases like 'la ruleta dando vueltas' (the roulette spinning) and 'la muerte a la venta' (death for sale) underscore the randomness and omnipresence of death in the streets. The lyrics also touch on the emotional toll of this lifestyle, with 'sentimientos se evaporan' (feelings evaporate) and 'sufrimientos k devoran' (sufferings that devour) illustrating the numbing and consuming nature of constant violence and loss. The mention of 'diferentes personajes, diferentes escenarios' (different characters, different scenarios) suggests a variety of experiences and fates within the same harsh environment.
Ñengo Flow also addresses the socioeconomic disparities and the different paths people take to survive. He contrasts those who work tirelessly in honest jobs with those who turn to illegal activities to make a living. The lyrics mention the movement of goods and the hierarchical nature of criminal organizations, indicating a complex and organized underworld. Despite the potential for drugs to become legal, the song suggests that the underworld will always find something to traffic, highlighting the persistent nature of these issues. The song concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to rise early and work hard if they want to succeed, encapsulating the relentless hustle required to survive in this environment.