Tomalacaté

Papa Levante's song 'Tomalacaté' is a vibrant and playful celebration of the sea and the carefree spirit of those who live by it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a small boat, or 'barquito,' that arrives with some damage, yet the mood remains light-hearted and whimsical. The repeated phrase 'quién lo diría' (who would have thought) suggests a sense of surprise and wonder, as if the sea itself is full of unexpected delights and mysteries. The imagery of the 'lienzo de los mare' (canvas of the seas) being 'pintorreao' (painted) adds a touch of artistry, implying that the sea is a living, breathing work of art.

The song continues with a scene of barefoot children playing by the shore, their games blending seamlessly with the natural rhythms of the ocean. The 'marineritos' (little sailors) and their playful antics, such as breaking the sun into pieces with a ball, evoke a sense of innocence and joy. This imagery is both literal and metaphorical, capturing the boundless energy and imagination of youth. The refrain 'Toma que toma, mi barquilla a la orilla de tu persona' (Take it, take it, my little boat to the shore of your person) suggests a deep connection between the individual and the sea, as if the boat is a part of oneself, navigating the waves of life.

The song's climax, with the chant 'Lhé-va-me con tu persona, lhé-va-me co tu persona! Ya!' (Take me with your person, take me with your person! Now!), is a call to embrace this carefree, adventurous spirit. The final lines, 'Que una, que dos y tres, que tomalacaté,' are a playful, rhythmic chant that encapsulates the song's essence. 'Tomalacaté' is not just a word but a feeling, a celebration of life, spontaneity, and the joy of living in harmony with the sea.