The band began with a series of demo recordings made by Hidalgo on a home cassette tape 4-track machine. The demos were intended for Hidalgo's main group, Los Lobos, but producer/keyboardist Froom thought the demos were interesting enough on their own to justify a new band. With Los Lobos member Pérez, and Froom's frequent production partner Blake, Latin Playboys was formed.
Latin Playboys was released in 1994 and Dose in 1999. Critic Richie Unterberger[1] described their music as "a twisted and avant-garde take on roots music. Latin Playboys draw from blues, border music, experimental studio trickery, and cinematic sound textures."
Dose
Latin Playboys Lyrics
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The things inside my hands were far away from gone
What happens to a kid La Lola when he grows up brown?
Said, "Sit down and let me tell you if you wanna stick around"
Poured some coffee in a cup made of Mexican clay
"Sit down right in that chair and listen what I say
Richer men, poorer men, dumber men, sure men
I laid down on the sofa and fell asleep just yesterday
And in my sleep a guy in white came up to me to say
"Bet you're wondering why everybody else gets all the breaks
While your mama and your papa and your sister's turning gray"
Made a cup of something hot, some kinda Hindu brew
Listen to me good 'cause this is all I have for you
Doesn't matter who you are, this side or that side of the fence
Or you got a pile of money or you can barely pay the rent
When you die and they take you and they put you in the ground
No matter who or what you are, you'll end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
The Latin Playboys' song "Dose" starts off with the singer visiting a woman named La Lola to confess something he has done. He holds something in his hands that suggests he has accomplished something, yet this achievement is still not enough for him. He then asks her what happens to an individual from a minority group when they grow up, indirectly referring to his own ethnic background. La Lola replies that everyone, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or intelligence, is equal.
The singer then falls asleep and experiences a dream where a man in white tells him that he feels overlooked by fate. La Lola's advice about equality comes back to the singer as he realizes that it does not matter who or what he is, everyone ends up the same in the end; dead and buried in the ground. The phrase "you end up looking brown" repeated at the end of the song becomes a metaphor for the shared mortality and commonality we all face. It serves as a reminder that all of our differences are superficial and unimportant in the face of mortality.
The song "Dose" is a deep reflection on the nature of life and serves as a commentary on issues of race and equality. It challenges the listener to think about their own mortality and the ultimate insignificance of our differences. The lyrics are poignant and thought-provoking, as they encourage the listener to reflect on their own beliefs and question their own worldview.
Line by Line Meaning
I went to see that La Lola just to tell her what I'd done
I went to see La Lola to disclose my secrets.
The things inside my hands were far away from gone
I still held onto my possessions.
What happens to a kid La Lola when he grows up brown?
What happens to someone like me when they mature with a darker skin tone?
Said, "Sit down and let me tell you if you wanna stick around"
La Lola offered to educate me if I was willing to stay.
Poured some coffee in a cup made of Mexican clay
La Lola served me coffee in a traditional Mexican clay vessel.
"Sit down right in that chair and listen what I say
La Lola instructed me to sit and listen intently.
Richer men, poorer men, dumber men, sure men
People from various backgrounds and capabilities,
Who would ever think that they were all made the same"
Whose commonality would seemingly be unfathomable.
I laid down on the sofa and fell asleep just yesterday
Recently, I dozed off on the couch.
And in my sleep a guy in white came up to me to say
While dreaming, a man in white approached me and spoke.
"Bet you're wondering why everybody else gets all the breaks
He suggested that I was curious why others experience success.
While your mama and your papa and your sister's turning gray"
As your parents and sibling age.
Made a cup of something hot, some kinda Hindu brew
La Lola offered me a warm beverage, perhaps of Hindu origin.
Listen to me good 'cause this is all I have for you
I should heed La Lola's advice since it's all she can offer.
Doesn't matter who you are, this side or that side of the fence
Regardless of one's background or affiliations.
Or you got a pile of money or you can barely pay the rent
Whether one is wealthy or impoverished.
When you die and they take you and they put you in the ground
Upon death and burial,
No matter who or what you are, you'll end up looking brown
Irrespective of one's identity, their skin will appear brown.
You end up looking brown
This final statement further emphasizes the song's message.
You end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
You end up looking brown
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID KENT HIDALGO, LOUIS FRAUSTO PEREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind