Its founders were Sebastián Teysera (lead vocals, frontman and main songwriter), Nicolás Lieutier (bass guitar) and Santiago Butler (guitar) - all three are still part of the band today. The band's first appearance as La Vela Puerca was in a montevidean street party in December 24, 1995. By then, several new members had already joined in. In 1996, frontman Sebastián Teysera presented a demo tape to a band contest. The rest of the band did not become aware of this until they found out they were one of the twenty finalists. A month later, they recieved a phone call saying they had won, and with this they were given 80 hours of free recording session which would be vital for their debut album.
La Vela Puerca released four albums: Deskarado (1998)(1999 released in Europe as "La Vela Puerca"), De Bichos Y Flores (2001), A Contraluz (2004)and El Impulso (2007).
In Germany they're well-known since they've played with Die Ärzte in Germany and Uruguay. In 2006 they're touring again in Europe.
Comun cangrejo
La Vela Puerca Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
que va diciendo que el futuro es hoy
va caminando de costado
como un cangrejo en pleno Nueva York
no te quemes si te dicen chicano
si caminando por el cielo vas
podes decirle al gringo vos hermano
con sevillana en un costado
procurando no sacarla de ahí
este barrio ya esta salado
pero la tranza tiene que salir
no te quemes ya estoy gritando un poco
why no quiero perder mi reputacion
vos ya sabes tengo fama de loco
why en este barrio cantan otra cancion.
by cuitron (montevideo,uruguay)
The lyrics of La Vela Puerca's song "Comun Cangrejo" portray the struggles and complexities of being a Latino in a foreign land, particularly in New York City. The lyrics compare the disorientation and confusion of a Latino immigrant to a crab walking sideways, which represents the challenges and obstacles they face in adapting to a new culture. The song tells the story of a Latino who is proud of his identity and heritage, but at the same time, he is constantly reminded of his status as an outsider.
The lyrics also underscore the importance of staying true to oneself and not conforming to the expectations of others. The lines "no te quemes si te dicen chicano" and "no te quemes ya estoy gritando un poco" explore the pressures to assimilate and the desire to maintain one's authenticity. The song encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and to resist the urge to follow the crowd.
Overall, "Comun Cangrejo" is a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience and the challenges that come with being a minority in a new environment. The song speaks to anyone who has ever felt like a fish out of water and encourages them to persevere and stay true to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
como un latino envenenado
Feeling poisoned by the world as a Latino
que va diciendo que el futuro es hoy
Believing that the future is the present and spreading that message
va caminando de costado
Walking sideways, like a crab
como un cangrejo en pleno Nueva York
Like a crab trying to survive in the big city
no te quemes si te dicen chicano
Don't get angry if someone calls you Chicano
si caminando por el cielo vas
If you're walking on clouds, above it all
podes decirle al gringo vos hermano
You can call a white person 'brother'
de donde crees que sale lo que fumas
Asking where the drugs come from
con sevillana en un costado
Carrying a Spanish dance in one's pocket
procurando no sacarla de ahí
Trying not to expose one's cultural identity
este barrio ya esta salado
The neighborhood has gone bad
pero la tranza tiene que salir
But the deal has to be made
no te quemes ya estoy gritando un poco
Don't get mad, I'm just shouting a little
why no quiero perder mi reputacion
Not wanting to damage one's reputation
vos ya sabes tengo fama de loco
You already know I have a crazy reputation
why en este barrio cantan otra cancion
And in this neighborhood, people sing a different tune
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SEBASTIAN TEYSERA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind