El Comerciante
Grupo Marca Registrada
The Entrepreneurial Spirit in 'El Comerciante'
The song 'El Comerciante' by Grupo Marca Registrada tells the story of a young man's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur. The lyrics describe the protagonist's transformation from a teenager involved in minor illegal activities to a legitimate business owner. The song begins by painting a picture of the protagonist as a well-dressed individual, hinting at his success and the lifestyle he now enjoys. The use of brand names like 'Tim' for his shoes and 'Carolina Herrera' for his perfume emphasizes his attention to fashion and luxury.
The narrative then shifts to the protagonist's past, recounting his early experiences with marijuana ('mota') at the age of 16 and his aspirations that led him to cross the border ('brincar la raya') into the United States at 18. The lyrics suggest a transformation from illegal activities to a legitimate and successful life, as he now sells cars ('Los mejores autos ahí podrán comprarme'). The song portrays the protagonist's resilience and hard work, highlighting that his success is the result of his efforts and not criminal behavior ('Soy un comerciante, no soy traficante').
The chorus and later verses of 'El Comerciante' reiterate the protagonist's pride in his legitimate business and his enjoyment of life's pleasures, such as his favorite music ('Me gusta la Marca Registrada') and spending time with friends. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of his commitment to his business and an open invitation to visit him in Otay, a reference to a neighborhood in Tijuana, Mexico. The song's narrative celebrates the idea of self-made success and the possibility of change and redemption through hard work and entrepreneurship.