Pedro Navaja (feat. Willie Colon)

Rubén Blades' 'Pedro Navaja' is a classic salsa song that tells a vivid story of life, death, and irony on the streets. The song's title character, Pedro Navaja, is a street-smart thug whose name is a play on 'navaja,' the Spanish word for 'razor' or 'switchblade,' which is his weapon of choice. Blades' narrative style and the song's catchy chorus have made it an enduring hit in Latin music, with its tale resonating with many who are familiar with the harsh realities of street life.

The lyrics paint a picture of Pedro Navaja as a swaggering, confident man who walks with a distinctive style, always ready for trouble. He's cautious and prepared, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sneakers for a quick getaway, and his gold tooth glints when he smiles. The song sets a scene where Pedro spots a woman who seems to be a sex worker struggling to find clients. As their paths cross, a twist of fate unfolds. Pedro attempts to attack the woman, but she, anticipating danger, shoots him with her hidden revolver. In a surprising turn, both the predator and his intended victim are left wounded on the street.

The song's chorus, 'La vida te da sorpresas, sorpresas te da la vida, ay Dios' ('Life gives you surprises, surprises give you life, oh God'), encapsulates the unexpected nature of life. The message is clear: no matter how cunning or prepared one might be, fate can always take an unforeseen turn. The song concludes with a drunkard stumbling upon the scene, taking the weapons and money, and leaving, singing off-key. This ending serves as a metaphor for the randomness of life and the idea that sometimes those who are least involved come out ahead. 'Pedro Navaja' is not just a song but a cultural reference that speaks to the unpredictability of life and the often-overlooked stories of the city streets.