Members of Manic Hispanic have been in and are currently in: The Adolescents, Cadillac Tramps, The Grabbers, Punk Rock Karaoke, The X-Members, 22 Jacks, Final Conflict, Agent Orange and NOFX.
I Want to Be a Cholo
Manic Hispanic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ha ha ha
Ha ha ay
Ha ha ha ha
I Want to be a Cholo
I'm proud to be a cholo
I was born to be a cholo
A cholo?
Si, man.
[whistling]
Tonight, we're thinking about no return.
And we're gonna do zulia, bulia turn
The song "I Want to Be a Cholo" by Manic Hispanic is a bold declaration of pride in one's Chicano identity as a cholo, a term that originated in the Mexican-American community to describe a young person of Mexican descent who dresses in a certain style and is associated with gang culture. The song's opening lines set the playful, irreverent tone for the rest of the song, with the repeated "ha ha ay" and "ha ha ha" serving as a kind of brash laugh or call to arms.
The lyrics of the song express a deep sense of belonging and kinship with the Cholo subculture, with phrases like "I'm proud to be a cholo" and "I was born to be a cholo." The repetition of the phrase "They say I'm down for being a cholo" suggests that the singer of the song has faced criticism or judgment for identifying as a cholo, but that this only makes their identity all the more precious and worth fighting for. The chorus of the song is simple and catchy, emphasizing the phrase "I want to be a cholo" over and over again, as if to drive home the point that being a cholo is not just a style or a phase, but a way of life.
The final lines of the song introduce a note of danger and excitement, with the mention of "zulia, bulia turn" seeming to refer to some kind of reckless activity or adventure that the cholo protagonist and their crew are embarking on. In this way, the song captures the rebellious, anti-authoritarian spirit of the Cholo subculture, as well as its deep ties to community, history, and shared struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha ha Ay
Expressing amusement or joy
Ha ha ha
Continuation of expressing amusement or joy
Ha ha ay
Continuation of expressing amusement or joy
Ha ha ha ha
Continuation of expressing amusement or joy
I Want to be a Cholo
Expressing desired identity as a cholo
I'm proud to be a cholo
Expressing pride of cholo identity
I was born to be a cholo
Believing cholo identity is innate
They say I'm down for being a cholo
Acknowledging acceptance by other cholos
A cholo?
Confirming familiarity with term 'cholo'
Si, man.
Affirmative response, showing agreement
[whistling]
Instrumental
Tonight, we're thinking about no return.
Contemplating risky behavior
And we're gonna do zulia, bulia turn
Planning to engage in rebellious or unlawful activities
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul M
This was when warped tour had real punk bands
Voiceof reasonandfacts
@duhJeenyus They're having fun with songs they wrote, relax. We all love these hilarious covers.
Jeepers Creepers
I knew Vans Warped Tour was giving the death rattle when I saw them inviting youtubers lol.
Eugene Landreth
@MILK Lol. lactose intolerant
duhJeenyus
@Cody Khaos I think the Cadillac Tramps, Adolescents, Death By Stereo, and Agent Orange members of the group deserve more respect than that...
Roger W
+PiE totally!.
Joe Guercio
No disrespect meant here....but you obviously didn't grow up in Southern California or weren't really in the punk scene or you would never have made such a statement! First of all M.H. is comprised of respected/talented musicians from many different punk bands from Orange & LA Counties. The lead guitarist is Steve Soto from The Adolescents & other bands. Every band they cover is surely honored by them wanting to re-write the lyrics into Chicano lifestyle. They're just having fun w/stereotypes!
Papawill13
Back when Youtube made replies individual comments.....
Red Rum
I'm proud to be a chola!
Ricardo Aviña
A chola!?