BenjaminesBenjamins

Benjamines is a fascinating word choice in this song. While it's the Spanish plural of the name Benjamin, in this context, it's a direct reference to "Benjamins" – a common slang term for one hundred-dollar bills, which feature Benjamin Franklin.

This word immediately signals a theme of wealth and success, as the lyrics state, "Los Benjamines empezaron a llover" (The Benjamins started to rain). It's an engaging and somewhat unexpected way to talk about money, making it memorable and enticing for a learner.

The title is the whole joke, once you catch it: "Los Benjamines" are Benjamins, hundred-dollar bills, and this corrido is about them raining down. The singer starts out wanting nothing more than a beat-up car, "Comprarme una Nissansita vieja" [buying myself an old Nissan], and by the time the money shows up, he lists exactly what it bought: new cars, tequila and whiskey, a live band, a gold buckle worn low at the waist ("La super dorada en la cintura" [the big gold one at my waist]).

What gives the song its actual weight is a jail sentence, named once and left alone: "Varios años encerrado" [several years locked up]. That's where he found out who his real friends were, because almost nobody came around while he had nothing: "Dos, tres perros me humillaron" [two or three dogs humiliated me]. It's the same people who wrote him off as a nobody who now watch him from below. He doesn't dwell on any of it; he just says God shut their mouths for him, and gets back to work.

Los Dareyes De La Sierra are a musical group from Mexico. They bring a lively energy to their regional Mexican sound, often featuring strong vocal performances and upbeat arrangements.

They are recognized for songs like "El Muchacho de la Barba" and "El Cholo", which highlight their distinctive style and storytelling.

This song has more lessons to be added
Tap the request button below to prioritise the additional lessons