Cantinero literally translates to "bartender" or "barman." It's a key word in this song, as the entire narrative revolves around the setting of a cantina and the speaker's interaction with the bartender.
In the context of the song, the speaker is at a bar, likely drowning their sorrows or celebrating, and the cantinero is a central figure in this experience. It's a word that immediately sets the scene and evokes the atmosphere of a traditional Latin American bar, making it both interesting and culturally relevant.
ArmonÃa 10's "Cantinero" is a song about a person who finds solace and perhaps a bit of trouble in a bar. The singer admits, "con dinero y acerté en esta mesa que es una cantina yo te conocÃ" [with money, I found you at this bar table]. It seems they met someone special there, and now they can't imagine life without them, saying, "no puedo vivir sin ti yo no aguanto las ganas de estar junto a ti" [I can't live without you, I can't stand the desire to be with you].
Despite this intense connection, there's a hint of drama. The singer acknowledges that this person might not be good for them, hearing things like "dicen que no vales nada eres mala influencia" [they say you're worthless, you're a bad influence]. But none of that matters to them. They just want to stay at the bar, asking the bartender, "cantinero quédate conmigo toda la noche" [bartender, stay with me all night]. It's a fun, rebellious tune about choosing love and good times over what others might think.