Una No Es Ninguna

Leandro Ríos' song "Una No Es Ninguna" delves into the theme of using alcohol as a means to gather courage and face personal challenges, particularly in the realm of romantic pursuits. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, where the protagonist keeps drinking one after another, highlights a cycle of dependency on alcohol to muster the bravery needed to approach someone he is interested in. The phrase "Una no es ninguna" (One is nothing) signifies the justification for continuous drinking, as if one drink alone is insignificant, leading to a spiral of consumption.

The song paints a vivid picture of a night out, where the protagonist's primary goal is to gain enough liquid courage to speak to a woman he likes. The counting of drinks, losing track, and the playful mathematical metaphors (like multiplying drinks) add a humorous yet poignant touch to the narrative. It reflects a common social scenario where alcohol is used as a social lubricant, but also hints at the potential pitfalls of such behavior, like losing control and the blurring of intentions.

Culturally, the song taps into the Mexican tradition of corridos and banda music, where storytelling through song is a key element. Leandro Ríos, known for his contributions to regional Mexican music, uses this platform to explore themes of love, bravery, and the social dynamics of drinking. The mention of "pisto" (slang for alcohol) and the casual, almost celebratory tone of the song, underscore a cultural acceptance of drinking as part of social and romantic interactions. However, beneath the surface, there's an implicit commentary on the reliance on alcohol to face personal fears and the cyclical nature of such behavior.