Pellizcando El Animal

The song 'Pellizcando El Animal' by Los Tucanes de Tijuana delves into the world of narco-culture, a theme prevalent in many of their songs. Los Tucanes de Tijuana is a Mexican band famous for their norteño and corrido music styles, often telling stories of the drug trade, love, and life in Mexico. The lyrics of this song paint a picture of a person deeply involved in the drug business, boasting about their wealth and the power they wield.

The song begins with a nod to the state of Nayarit, the narrator's birthplace, and quickly transitions to their current life in California, where they are engaged in lucrative, albeit illegal, activities. The lyrics suggest a lifestyle of excess and bravado, with the narrator claiming notoriety across borders and always being armed. The phrase 'pellizcando el mismo animal' is a metaphor for participating in the drug trade, likening it to a beast that many are trying to 'pinch' or take a piece of.

The latter verses describe a life of constant vigilance and readiness for violence, as well as a sense of invincibility when it comes to indulgences like alcohol. The narrator's small stature is contrasted with their fierce reputation, and the mention of 'un cuerno de chivo' (AK-47) underscores the dangerous world they inhabit. The song reflects the complex and often glorified image of drug traffickers in certain subcultures, while also hinting at the harsh realities of such a life.