A Las 4 Vos Te Vas
Mala Fama
The Tale of the Unfaithful: Dissecting 'A Las 4 Vos Te Vas' by Mala Fama
The song 'A Las 4 Vos Te Vas' by Mala Fama is a narrative about infidelity and the consequences of neglecting a relationship. The title itself, which translates to 'At 4 You Leave,' sets the stage for a story that unfolds in the absence of one partner. The lyrics describe a routine where one person leaves at 4 PM, and shortly after, another individual arrives to engage in an affair with the partner left behind. The repeated phrase 'y otra vez' ('and again') emphasizes the recurring nature of this betrayal.
Mala Fama, an artist known for cumbia villera, a subgenre of cumbia music that often deals with the struggles and stories of the working class in Argentina, uses colloquial language and vivid imagery to paint a picture of deception. The term 'guampa chata,' which is Argentine slang for a cuckold, and 'pata de lana,' a term for a man who sneaks around with someone else's wife, are used to describe the characters in this love triangle. The song's upbeat rhythm contrasts with the somber theme of infidelity, reflecting the often-danceable nature of cumbia villera despite the serious topics it addresses.
The song serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of leaving one's partner unattended and the ease with which trust can be broken. It also touches on the idea of karma, suggesting that the neglectful partner will repeatedly face the consequences of their actions. The narrative is a reflection on the importance of presence and commitment in relationships, and the potential fallout when these are absent.