Pacheco created an image for Willie that was one of a bad boy, gangsterish, thug. The image caught on and was embraced by the public. In 1967 Hector and Willie recorded their first album for Fania, El Malo. Willie's band was young; mostly teenagers. They had a new sound and Hector in addition to being a great talent, was very charismatic. Audiences loved him. Hector was comical in his repartee with the audience and within his improvisations.
Colon gave Hector the option of keeping the musicians together. With a commitment from Jose Mangual Jr., a percussionist with the band, to keep the orchestra in tact, Hector launched his solo career. Willie Colon who dearly loved Hector despite his shortcomings would produce Hector's first album as a solo artist and many others. Their friendship and love never wavered.
Hector was introduced to drugs at a party. According to his own account there was a bowl of drugs on the table and he indulged along with others at the party. He became enamoured with the drugs (heroine) and was soon addicted. His drug abuse began seeping into his professional career. Hector began demonstrating irresponsible behavior. He would arrive to performances late. His adoring fans were happy so long as he arrived. They adored him and forgave him always. At his worst, he might not show at all. At other times, he might insult his band members or the audience.
Te Conozco
Willie Colon & Hector Lavoe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
no vengas con pugilatos,
que tu vienes cada rato
pidiendome una peseta,
te conozco bacalo
conmigo tú no te metas.
Yo te conozco bacalao
siempre que te veo me dices:
compadre estoy arrancao.
Conmigo tú no te metas
te conozco estás salao.
Tengo que cerrar las puertas
y ventanas de mi casa;
cuando te veo caminar
y pegadito la pasas.
Que muchacho tan incordio,
que tipo más agarrao.
Me tiene ya ta'cansao
te conozco bacalao.
Te conozco bacalao
aunque vengas disfrazao.
The song "Te Conozco" by Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe talks about a man who knows a particular person named "Bacalao" quite well. This person is always asking for a peseta or bothering the singer in some way or the other. He tries to persuade the main character to give him some money, but the latter refuses to do so. He warns him to stay away from him as he knows his true nature.
The singer further states that he has to close all the doors and windows of his house whenever he sees "Bacalao" around. He finds him to be a very bothersome guy who is always grabbing on to things. He is exhausted by "Bacalao's" constant presence and reiterates that he knows him well, even if he comes disguised.
The lyrics showcase the struggles of many people in Latin America who are living in poverty and often need to resort to begging for money. The singer's frustration with "Bacalao's" constant requests and unwelcome presence also reflects the struggles of those who are trying to make a living and are often bothered by others who are trying to take advantage of them.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo te conozco bacalao
I know you, troublemaker
no vengas con pugilatos,
Don't come with fights
que tu vienes cada rato
You come all the time
pidiendome una peseta,
Asking me for a penny
conmigo tú no te metas.
Don't mess with me
no trates de persuadirme,
Don't try to persuade me
siempre que te veo me dices:
Every time you see me, you say
compadre estoy arrancao.
Brother, I'm broke
te conozco estás salao.
I know your luck is bad
Tengo que cerrar las puertas
I have to close my doors
y ventanas de mi casa;
And windows of my house
cuando te veo caminar
When I see you walking
y pegadito la pasas.
And you're always close by
Que muchacho tan incordio,
What a bothersome guy
que tipo más agarrao.
What a tight-fisted guy
Me tiene ya ta'cansao
I'm already tired of you
te conozco bacalao.
I know you, troublemaker
aunque vengas disfrazao.
Even if you come disguised
Contributed by Leah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.