In 2000, after the disband of the popular Chilean rock band Los Tres, lead vocalist Álvaro Henríquez decided to start a new musical project. Later that same year, along with Camilo Salinas, Nicolás Torres and Pedro Araneda (originally it was Cristián Espiñeira, but later replaced) he formed this new band, named Pettinellis after his mother's lastname.
After participing in a tribute album for Violeta Parra in 2001, they release their first studio album in 2002, that went Gold disc for its sales with singles like "Hospital" and "Ch Bah Puta la Güeá". In 2003 they performed the theme song of the movie "Sexo con Amor", that became one of the most succesful Chilean movies.
In 2004 Nicolás Torres and Camilo Salinas decide to leave the band, fact that led to the definitve disband of Pettinellis. Since then Álvaro Henríquez started a solo career, and Nicolás Torres started to focus on his band Silvestre.
In 2011 they announced to come back with a live show on august 19.
Asesino Bendito
Pettinellis Lyrics
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La gente adulta es peor, crece y verás
Si lo pobres pueden pedir plata para vivir
Por qué los ricos no la piden para sufrir
No quiero que puedan jugar alegremente aquí
Viejo egoísta siempre fui
Si el perro ladra otra vez, haré que coma hiel
Hiel tan amarga que nunca sabrá
The lyrics of Pettinellis's song "Asesino Bendito" convey a deep sense of social criticism and reflection on human nature. The chorus sets the tone by expressing a cynical outlook on the world: "If children are not horror, then what will they be? Adults are worse, grow up and you'll see." The song challenges societal norms and questions the actions and motives of both the rich and the poor.
The first verse presents a thought-provoking contrast between poverty and wealth. It questions why the poor are allowed to ask for money to survive, while the rich do not ask for it to experience suffering. This juxtaposition implies that suffering is not solely tied to material wealth, suggesting that the rich may lack empathy or genuine compassion despite their advantaged position in society.
The second verse adds a personal touch to the lyrics. The singer expresses a desire to prevent joyful play and happiness in their presence, suggesting a character of selfishness and bitterness. The mention of feeding someone bitter gall (hiel) conveys a sense of vengeance, but also implies that the act of revenge is ultimately meaningless, as the one who is killed will never know who did it or why.
Overall, the lyrics of "Asesino Bendito" suggest a disillusionment with humanity, highlighting the flaws and vices present in society and individuals alike.
Line by Line Meaning
Si los niños no son horror, entónces que serán
If children are not horror, then what are they?
La gente adulta es peor, crece y verás
Adult people are worse, grow up and you'll see
Si lo pobres pueden pedir plata para vivir
If the poor can ask for money to live
Por qué los ricos no la piden para sufrir
Why don't the rich ask for it to suffer
No quiero que puedan jugar alegremente aquí
I don't want them to be able to play happily here
Viejo egoísta siempre fui
I have always been a selfish old man
Si el perro ladra otra vez, haré que coma hiel
If the dog barks again, I will make it eat bile
Hiel tan amarga que nunca sabrá
Bile so bitter it will never know
Quién lo mató ni porqué
Who killed it or why
Writer(s): Alvaro Henriquez
Contributed by Addison F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.