La Culebra
La Colmena Lyrics

The lyrics to La Colmena's song "La Culebra" describe a frightening encounter with a snake while on the way to the grinding mill. The singer suddenly sees a snake very close to them and yells out warnings to those around them. They urge their friend Jose to be careful and watch out for the snake, as it can bite their feet. The fear of the snake is clearly present in the lyrics, as the singer contemplates what will happen if they get bitten and will have to kill the snake as a result. The song repeats the warning to be cautious of the snake's dangerous bite throughout the verses, while also incorporating a playful call-and-response chorus of "Oye José" that emphasizes the importance of being aware of their surroundings in nature.

The song is an example of the traditional Afro-Caribbean music of Panama, known as "tamborito." This style of music emerged in the region during the 17th century, when enslaved Africans brought their music and dance traditions to the New World. The tamborito typically features call-and-response vocals and the use of drums, such as the conga and timbales, along with other instruments like the accordion and the güiro. The tune of "La Culebra" is upbeat and danceable, which is typical of the tamborito style.