Cruz de Marihuana
Pesado
A Narcotraficante's Final Wish: The Symbolism in 'Cruz de Marihuana'
Pesado's song 'Cruz de Marihuana' delves into the life and death of a narcotraficante, a drug trafficker, who reflects on his legacy and final wishes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who has embraced a life of crime and excess, and who wishes to be remembered in a manner that reflects his lifestyle. The request to be buried in the sierra, with a cross made of marijuana, surrounded by wine bottles and playing cards, symbolizes his deep connection to the drug trade and the outlaw culture he was part of.
The song's protagonist rejects traditional forms of mourning and religious rites, opting instead for a celebration of his life as a narcotraficante. The imagery of cocaine in his coffin and his treasured weapons highlights the dangerous and hedonistic path he chose. This rejection of conventional norms and the embrace of a criminal identity is further emphasized by his desire to be buried with 'lobos de mi manada'—wolves of his pack—indicating a sense of loyalty and camaraderie among those who lived similarly dangerous lives.
'Cruz de Marihuana' also touches on themes of legacy and remembrance. The protagonist wants his memory to be written with 'goma de amapola' (poppy gum, a reference to opium) and for his fame to be marked by bullets, underscoring the violent and illicit nature of his life. The song is a stark portrayal of the narcoculture that glorifies the drug trade and its associated lifestyle, reflecting a broader social commentary on the allure and dangers of this world. Through its raw and unapologetic lyrics, Pesado captures the essence of a life lived on the edge, and the desire for that life to be celebrated even in death.