Pedro Navaja
Rubén Blades, Willie Colón
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Por la esquina del viejo barrio lo vi pasar Con el tumbao' que tienen los guapos al caminar Las manos siempre en los bolsillos de su gabán Pa' que no sepan en cuál de ellas lleva el puñal Usa un sombrero de ala ancha de medio lao Why zapatillas por si hay problemas salir volao' Lentes oscuros pa' que no sepan qué está mirando Why un diente de oro que cuando rie se ve brillando Como a tres cuadras de aquella esquina una mujer Va recorriendo la acera entera por quinta vez Why en un zaguán entra why se da un trago para olvidar Que el día está flojo why no hay clientes pa' trabajar Un carro pasa muy despacito por la avenida No tiene marcas pero toos' saben ques' policia uhm Pedro Navaja las manos siempre dentro 'el gabán Mira why sonríe why el diente de oro vuelve a brillar Mientras camina pasa la vista de esquina a esquina No se ve un alma está desierta toa' la avenida Cuando de pronto esa mujer sale del zaguán Why Pedro Navaja apreta un puño dentro 'el gabán Mira pa' un lado mira pal' otro why no ve a nadie Why a la carrera pero sin ruido cruza la calle Why mientras tanto en la otra acera va esa mujer Refunfuñando pues no hizo pesos con qué comer Mientras camina del viejo abrigo saca un revolver, esa mujer Iba a guardarlo en su cartera pa' que no estorbe Un trenta why ocho esmithanhueson del especial Que carga encima pa' que la libre de todo mal why Pedro Navaja puñal en mano le fue pa' encima El diente de oro iba alumbrando Toa' la avenida, se le hizo facil Mientras reia el puñal le hundía sin compasión Cuando de pronto sonó un disparo como un canon why Pedro Navaja cayó en la acera mientras veía, a esa mujer Que revolver en mano why de muerte herida ahí le decía Yo que pensaba 'hoy no es mi día estoy salá' Pero Pedro Navaja tu estas peor, no estas en na why creanme gente que aunque hubo ruido nadien salió No hubo curiosos, no hubo preguntas nadie lloró Sólo un borracho con los dos cuerpos se tropezo Cojio el revolver, el puñal, los pesos why se marchó Why tropezando se fue cantando desafinao' El coro que aqui les traje why da el mensaje de mi cancion La vida te da sorpresas Sorpresas te da la vida ay dios Pedró navajas matón de esquina Quien a hierro mata, a hierro termina La vida te da sorpresas Sorpresas te da la vida ay dios Valiente pescador, al anzuelo que tiraste En vez de una sardina, un tiburón enganchaste La vida te da sorpresas Sorpresas te da la vida, ay dios Como decía mi abuelita El que último rie, se rie mejor
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Written by: Ruben Blades
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Composition & Inspiration"Pedro Navaja" was composed and performed by Panamanian singer Rubén Blades. The song was arranged by Puerto Rican musician Willie Colón.
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StorylineThe song narrates a story of a petty criminal, Pedro Navaja. This character is based on the infamous fictional character Mack the Knife from Bertolt Brecht’s Threepenny Opera. Pedro Navaja is a well-known criminal in his neighborhood who ends up dying on the same street he terrorized.
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PopularityDespite its length (almost eight minutes) and narrative style, "Pedro Navaja" became a massive hit and is considered one of the greatest Salsa songs ever produced. It is also viewed as an unofficial national anthem in many Latin American countries.
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InfluencesWith elements of jazz, swing, and pachanga, "Pedro Navaja" is a pioneer in bringing diverse music genres to the salsa world.
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Cultural ImpactThe song has been so impactful that it has been adapted into a movie and a theatrical play in the Spanish-speaking world.
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Controversial LyricsThe lyrics of "Pedro Navaja" are profound. They depict raw scenes from daily life in the poor neighborhoods, violence, and death, which was controversial at the time it was released.
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Album"Pedro Navaja" was first released in 1978 as part of the album Siembra, one of the best-selling salsa albums in history.
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LanguageThe lyrics of the song are primarily in Spanish, making it a staple in Latin music. However, it also has lines in English, showcasing Blades’s bilingualism.
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Song StructureUnlike many salsa songs, "Pedro Navaja" does not have a chorus. Instead, it's a "salsa story" that focuses on storytelling rather than a repeating verse.
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AchievementsIn recognition of its cultural importance, "Pedro Navaja" was included in the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013.
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InterpretationThe song has been interpreted as a critique of violence and inequality in Latin American societies.
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Citation
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"Pedro Navaja Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19700694/Rub%C3%A9n+Blades/Pedro+Navaja>.
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