El Diablo

Sanalejo's song "El Diablo" delves deep into the internal conflict and the struggle against one's darker impulses. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels possessed by a metaphorical 'red devil' within their soul. This devil represents the darker, more destructive aspects of human nature that can corrupt and lead one astray. The repeated mention of the 'diablo colorao' (red devil) living inside the protagonist signifies an ongoing battle with these negative forces.

The song uses powerful imagery to describe the devil's presence, such as living in a 'rastrojo' (a thicket or underbrush) and consuming 'arnaco pan y piojo' (a mix of bread and lice), which symbolizes the devil's parasitic and insidious nature. The protagonist confesses to their mistakes and regrets, acknowledging the devil's corrupting influence from a young age. Despite knowing the devil's malevolent nature, the protagonist admits to not heeding the warnings, leading to a life of internal turmoil.

The chorus emphasizes the devil's corrupting power, repeating that the devil is 'malo' (bad) and 'nos corrompe' (corrupts us). The protagonist's attempts to control or rid themselves of this inner demon are depicted through metaphors of physical struggle, such as mounting a saddlebag or giving the devil a beating. However, these efforts seem futile as the devil remains entrenched within, symbolizing the difficulty of overcoming one's darker impulses. The rap section further highlights the devil's relentless nature, waking the protagonist at night and refusing to be avoided, illustrating the constant and pervasive nature of this internal struggle.