De tal palo tal astilla
La Vela Puerca Lyrics

The opening phrase “De tal Palo, tal Astilla” is an old Spanish proverb which means “like father like son” or more generally “children tend to inherit the characteristics and tendencies of their parents.” Similarly, “De tal suerte, barranquilla” suggests that the son’s destiny is already predetermined, just like the city of Barranquilla in Colombia. The phrase “Ta’ llorando, ta’ que arde” describes the son’s distressing emotional state, while “Ta’ diciendo, puta madre” conveys his frustration and anger, possibly directed towards his father or possibly himself.

The lyrics present a complex relationship between a father and a son, where the son is struggling to live up to the expectations set by his father. The father figure (“Tata”) is presented as overbearing and suffocating, not allowing his son to breathe or develop his own identity. However, the son (“Igual aprendo solo”) is determined to learn and grow independently, even if it means making mistakes along the way. The names in the lines “Chato, mato si, pa' comer y pa' zafar/Paco, fino y rolo” are slang for different types of people in Uruguayan society, possibly implying that the son is trying to find his place in the world.

As the song progresses, the son expresses his confusion about his identity and relationships. The lines “Cuál mi bandera/La linda o la fea” suggest that he’s unsure which side to take in a particular conflict or debate. The questions “Cuál es amigo/Cuál es contigo/Cuál es hermano/Sos un fulano” express his frustration with the people around him, who he feels aren’t trustworthy or loyal. The final verse paints a picture of a dangerous and unpredictable world, full of “clandestinos” and “asesinos,” where the son is trying to find his way without getting involved in any trouble.