Toitico Bien Empacao

Katie James' song "Toitico Bien Empacao" is a vibrant celebration of Colombian culture, heritage, and agricultural traditions. The lyrics are a series of questions and observations that invite the listener to reflect on their connection to their roots and the land. The song begins with a warm greeting, asking about traditional Colombian foods and drinks, such as café (coffee), agua e'panela (sugarcane water), arepas, and ajiaco (a traditional soup). These references not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also highlight the importance of local cuisine in cultural identity.

The song then shifts to a more inquisitive tone, questioning the listener's knowledge of traditional agricultural practices, such as the molienda (sugar mill) and the use of the azadón (hoe). Katie James uses these questions to challenge the disconnection between modern life and the ancestral ways of living off the land. The mention of buying sugar in a store versus knowing the process of sugar production serves as a metaphor for the broader disconnect from one's heritage.

The chorus repeats the questions about the listener's knowledge of their land, grandmother, and maize, emphasizing the importance of remembering one's ancestors and roots. The song concludes with a playful admonition about the convenience of pre-packaged goods, contrasting it with the rich knowledge and experience of traditional farming and food preparation. Through her lyrics, Katie James encourages a reconnection with one's cultural heritage and a deeper appreciation for the land and its bounty.