El masticandi

Iván Villazón, a prominent figure in the Vallenato genre, a traditional Colombian music style, delivers a compelling narrative in his song 'El masticandi'. The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale, advising his 'compadre Jose' on the dangers and temptations that might be encountered, particularly emphasizing the risks of nighttime activities and the allure of substances and fleeting pleasures.

The song opens with a repeated advice to Jose to travel by day due to the dangers of being robbed at night, highlighting a lack of respect and safety in their environment. This sets a tone of concern and vigilance that permeates the song. The mention of 'palo y machete' and 'pistola en mano' paints a vivid picture of the threats present, urging Jose to heed these warnings seriously.

As the song progresses, it delves into the temptations of drugs and casual relationships, symbolized by 'el polvito blanco' and the changing behavior of girls from the carnival to Ash Wednesday. These verses not only reflect on personal behavior but also comment on broader social issues, such as drug abuse and the consequences of fleeting romantic encounters. The chorus, 'tenga cuidado compadre tenga cuidado', acts as a refrain that reinforces the message of caution and awareness, urging listeners to stay vigilant and make wise choices amidst the chaos of carnival and beyond.