Quítate de La Vía Perico (feat. Cortijo)

The song "Quítate de La Vía Perico" by Ismael Rivera, featuring Cortijo, is a vibrant and cautionary tale set to the rhythms of salsa music. The lyrics tell the story of Perico, a character who is repeatedly warned to get out of the way of an oncoming train. The phrase 'Quítate de la vía Perico, que ahí viene el tren' translates to 'Get out of the way, Perico, here comes the train.' Despite the warnings, the song reveals a tragic twist: Perico was deaf and could not hear the train or the warnings, which ultimately leads to his demise.

The song serves as a metaphor for the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and the consequences of ignoring warnings. It also touches on the theme of regret, as the singer expresses that if they had known Perico was deaf, they would have stopped the train. This element of hindsight emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion for others' limitations. The repetition of the warning and the eventual revelation of Perico's deafness create a poignant narrative that resonates with listeners, reminding them of the sometimes irreversible consequences of inaction.

Ismael Rivera, known as 'El Sonero Mayor,' was a renowned Puerto Rican singer and composer who played a significant role in popularizing salsa music. His songs often contained storytelling elements and social commentary, and "Quítate de La Vía Perico" is no exception. The song's catchy melody and rhythmic beats are characteristic of Rivera's style, which has the power to engage listeners while delivering a meaningful message.