Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, … Read Full Bio ↴Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, France, is a multifaceted musician celebrated for his eclectic musical style and socially conscious lyrics. Chao's musical journey began in the vibrant Parisian music scene, where he immersed himself in diverse influences ranging from punk and rock to reggae and salsa. Co-founding the band Mano Negra in 1987, Chao showcased his knack for blending genres, resulting in international acclaim with albums like "Patchanka" (1988) and "Casa Babylon" (1994). Following the dissolution of Mano Negra in 1995, Chao embarked on a prolific solo career, marked by albums such as "Clandestino" (1998) and "Próxima Estación: Esperanza" (2001), where he continued to push musical boundaries while addressing social and political issues. Incorporating elements of street music and bar scenes from various cultures, Chao formed Radio Bemba Sound System, collaborating with musicians from Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to create a vibrant fusion of sounds. His innovative use of technology, including recording exclusively on a laptop, reflects his commitment to artistic experimentation. Through his music, Chao has championed themes of cultural diversity, social justice, and global solidarity, earning him a revered status as a visionary musician and cultural ambassador.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Chao

Discography
Clandestino (1998)
Próxima Estación: Esperanza (2001)
Radio Bemba Sound System (2002)
Sibérie m'était contéee (2004)
La Radiolina (2007)
Baionarena (2008)

Peligro
Manu Chao Lyrics

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Cuidado en el barrio
Cuidado por la cena
Cuidado ese
Que te anda buscando
No no

Cuidado en el mundo
Cuidado en la frontera

Cuidado ese
Que va complotando
No no

Peligroso esta el barrio
De Guatemala
Peligroso esta el barrio
De Nicaragua

Reggae reggae

We know the danger, set on every corner

Cuidado en el barrio
Cuidado en la frontera
Cuidado ese
Que te anda buscando (peligroso)

We know the danger, set on every corner

Cuidado en el norte
Cuidado por la selva
Cuidado ese
Que va complotando (peligroso)
Ten cuidado

Que pasa por la calle
easy will (peligroso)
Que pasa por la calle
No pasa na' (peligroso)

We know the danger, set on every corner

Que pasa por la calle
No pasa na' (peligroso)
Que pasa por la calle
No pasa na' (peligroso)

We know the danger, set on every corner
Yo digo un yo digo dos yo digo tres yo digo ragga

Overall Meaning

The song "Peligro" by Manu Chao addresses the dangers of living in certain neighborhoods or areas and the need to be cautious and aware at all times. The lyrics "Cuidado en el barrio / Cuidado por la cena / Cuidado ese / Que te anda buscando" (Watch out in the neighborhood / Watch out during dinner / Watch out for him / He's looking for you) suggest the idea of a threat lurking in the surroundings that is causing the singer to be constantly on guard.

The chorus of the song reinforces this feeling of danger, especially when Manu Chao sings "Peligroso esta el barrio / De Guatemala / Peligroso esta el barrio / De Nicaragua," pointing out specific regions that are known for being unsafe. The song also suggests that this danger exists beyond a specific location, extending to borders, streets, and even the jungle. However, the song also emphasizes the need to continue living, with the repeated line "Que pasa por la calle / No pasa na' (peligroso)" (What happens on the street / Nothing happens (dangerous)).

Overall, the song is a concise and poignant commentary on societal dangers and the need for constant vigilance in certain parts of the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Cuidado en el barrio
We need to be careful in the neighborhood since there is danger lurking around every corner.

Cuidado por la cena
We should be cautious about our meals and watch what we eat to avoid any contaminants that can cause harm.

Cuidado ese Que te anda buscando No no
We must watch out for that person who is searching for us since they pose a danger to us.

Cuidado en el mundo
We need to be mindful of the world outside us since it is full of danger.

Cuidado en la frontera
We should be careful at the border since there is a great deal of danger there.

Que va complotando
We should be wary of those who are conspiring against us.

Peligroso esta el barrio De Guatemala Peligroso esta el barrio De Nicaragua
Guatemala and Nicaragua have neighborhoods that are extremely dangerous.

Reggae reggae
A reggae beat plays in the background of the song.

We know the danger, set on every corner
There is danger in every corner, and we are aware of it.

Cuidado en el norte
We must be careful in the north since it is perilous.

Cuidado por la selva
We should be cautious while walking through the jungle to avoid danger.

Ten cuidado Que pasa por la calle easy will (peligroso)
Be careful, don't rush while walking on the street, as there could be hidden danger.

Que pasa por la calle No pasa na' (peligroso)
Although it seems like nothing is happening on the street, there could still be a danger we cannot see.

Yo digo un yo digo dos yo digo tres yo digo ragga
These are the song lyrics, and 'ragga' is repeated at the end of each verse.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Antoine Chao, Jose-Manuel Chao, Olivier Dahan, Philippe Teboul, Santiago Casariego, Thomas Darnal, Daniel Leopold Josep Jamet, DP DP, Pierre Paul Gauthe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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