Te Coloniso

“Te Coloniso” by Playground is a satirical and provocative song that delves into the themes of colonialism, cultural imperialism, and historical narratives. The repetitive chorus, “No amas a yisus, te coloniso / No hablas mi idioma, te coloniso / No eres un blanquito, te coloniso,” highlights the absurdity and brutality of colonial justifications. By mocking the criteria used by colonizers to subjugate others, the song underscores the arbitrary and racist nature of these justifications.

The song adopts the persona of Christopher Columbus, who is portrayed as an arrogant and domineering figure. Lines like “Soy cristóbal colón / Soy el puto amo y es que molo un montón” and “Te coloniso y te pongo de rodillas” emphasize his self-aggrandizing attitude and the violent imposition of his will. The dialogue with historical figures like Fernando and Isabella, and the mention of bringing back slaves, further illustrate the exploitative and dehumanizing aspects of colonial ventures.

The song also introduces Erik the Red, a Viking explorer, to challenge Columbus’s legacy. This character’s lines, “No te mola la birra, te barbariso / No manejas el hacha, te barbariso,” parody the colonial mindset by applying it to a different cultural context. The rivalry between Columbus and Erik the Red serves to critique the glorification of colonial figures and the erasure of other historical narratives. The humorous and irreverent tone of the song invites listeners to question the dominant historical accounts and recognize the diverse and often overlooked perspectives.

Overall, “Te Coloniso” uses satire and humor to address serious issues related to colonialism, cultural dominance, and historical memory. By exaggerating the attitudes and actions of historical figures, the song encourages a critical examination of the past and its ongoing impact on the present.