El Perro de Pabayo

Guillermo Buitrago's song "El Perro de Pabayo" tells a vivid and somewhat humorous story set in the rural landscapes of Colombia. The narrative revolves around a dog named Mayor Blanco, who is known for his aggressive nature. The dog is sent from Patillal to Pabayo, where he quickly establishes his dominance by chasing away chickens, hens, and even the cat from the yard. This sets the stage for a series of events that highlight the dog's ferocity and the community's reaction to it.

The song takes a turn when Pabayo, concerned about a potential threat from a tiger, decides to send Mayor Blanco to protect his friend Migue in the mountains. However, Migue, distracted by a festive invitation to Guacoche, forgets about the dog entirely. This lapse in attention leads to chaos as the dog, left to its own devices, causes trouble in the valley, even biting a child. The situation escalates to the point where Evaristo, presumably a local figure, has to kill the dog to stop its rampage.

The lyrics capture the essence of rural life, where animals play significant roles in the community, and word of mouth spreads quickly. The song also touches on themes of responsibility and the unintended consequences of neglect. Buitrago's storytelling, combined with the lively cumbia rhythm, paints a picture of a close-knit community dealing with an unexpected and somewhat comical crisis. The song's narrative style and cultural references make it a charming and engaging piece that reflects the everyday life and challenges of rural Colombia.