Amargo rencor
Desorden Público Lyrics

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Mucho antes de Nabuconsonosor
Cuando Hammurabi era el rey de Babilón
Se decretó el ojo por ojo
Y desde entonces se hizo legal por el rencor
Tantas lunas han pasado
Se ha demostrado las revanchas hacen dano
Toda venganza a la larga se hace amarga
Quien no perdona se hace esclavo del rencor

Nadie es totalmente malo
Mucho menos totalmente bueno
Toda historia tiene, por lo menos dos lados
Sin infierno no puede haber cielo
Arriba está el que pa’ bajo mira
El dice, no siempre el rencor aconseja mejor
Un clavo saca otro clavo, mi vida
Pero a veces quedan dentro los dos

Quien no perdona se hace esclavo del
Rencor (amargo rencor)
El odio nos tienta (amargo rencor)
Vísceras reclaman (amargo rencor)
Volcán de pasión, estalla (amargo rencor)
Pa’ apagarlo échale agua
Pa’ apagarlo échale agua

Pa’ apagarlo échale agua
Pa’ apagarlo échale agua

Overall Meaning

Desorden Publico's song Amargo Rencor deals with the consequences of holding grudges and seeking revenge. It begins by referencing the historical concept of "an eye for an eye" which has been present in different societies since ancient times. The lyrics suggest that revenge might have been legal, but it is not healthy, and eventually, it turns bitter.

The song explores the duality of human nature, and it argues that nobody is entirely good or bad. The lyrics state that every story has at least two sides, and even the most innocent-looking person might have their dark side. The song warns that holding onto negative feelings only leads to becoming a slave of bitterness and hate, while forgiveness sets one free.

The chorus repeats the phrase "amargo rencor" (bitter resentment) as a powerful reminder of the negative effects of holding onto grudges. It describes the corrosive nature of hatred and anger, and how it can take over and turn into volcanic-like eruptions that demand to be quenched. The sentence "Pa' apagarlo échale agua" (put it out, pour some water), suggests that the only way to overcome these feelings is by letting go and moving on.

* Interesting facts about the song:
1. Amargo Rencor is one of Desorden Publico's most popular songs.
2. The song is included in the album Plomo Revienta, released in 1992.
3. The album won the MTV Latino award for Best Grupero or Salsa Album in 1993.
4. The song's message resonates with many Latin American fans, who often experience political upheavals and periods of social unrest.
5. Desorden Publico has been performing for over 35 years and is a pioneer in the ska and punk rock scene in Venezuela.
6. The band's name means "public disorder" in Spanish, and their music often deals with political and social issues.
7. The lyrics of Amargo Rencor were written by Horacio Blanco, the band's vocalist and one of its original members.
8. The music video for the song features the band performing in front of a green screen while showing images of different people carrying grudges.
9. The song has been covered by several artists, including Aterciopelados, Los Rabanes and Panteón Rococó.
10. Amargo Rencor continues to be a fan favorite and is often played during the band's live performances.

* Chords: (The chord progression for the song is G, C, and D)

Line by Line Meaning

Mucho antes de Nabuconsonosor
Long before the time of Nabuconsonosor

Cuando Hammurabi era el rey de Babilón
When Hammurabi was the king of Babylon

Se decretó el ojo por ojo
Eye for an eye was decreed

Y desde entonces se hizo legal por el rencor
Since then, it became legal due to bitterness

Tantas lunas han pasado
Many moons have passed

Se ha demostrado las revanchas hacen dano
It has been proven that revenge causes harm

Toda venganza a la larga se hace amarga
All revenge eventually becomes bitter

Quien no perdona se hace esclavo del rencor
He who does not forgive becomes a slave to bitterness

Nadie es totalmente malo
No one is completely bad

Mucho menos totalmente bueno
Much less completely good