Viejas literally means "old women." However, in Mexican Spanish, it's often used as a colloquial, sometimes affectionate, term for "women" or even "things," depending on the context.
In "Mis Tres Viejas," the word is used with a clever double meaning. Initially, it sounds like the singer is talking about three old women living with him. But as the song progresses, it becomes clear that "las tres viejas" are actually three different types of drugs (cocaine, marijuana, and heroin), which he personifies as women who bring him "lana" (money) and "poder" (power). This slang usage makes the word particularly intriguing and central to the song's narrative.
Get ready to meet some unforgettable characters in Los Tucanes De Tijuana's "Mis Tres Viejas"! This song introduces us to a man who lives with three "viejas" [old women] in the same house. He says they don't fight and they all get along, and he loves them very much, calling them "la crema y nata" [the best of the best]. He can't live without them because they bring him joy, money, and power.
But here's the twist: these aren't just any women! He describes them by color: Blanca [White] is the most active, Mari [Mary] is fragrant with green eyes, and La Negra [The Black One] drives him crazy when he's sad. He even says, "Las tres mujeres que tengo Trabajan todos los días" [The three women I have work every day] and help him when the police show up at his "lavandería" [laundromat]. It turns out these "viejas" are actually different types of drugs, and he's not sorry about it, even though they're dangerous. It's a clever play on words that's both fun and a little dark!
Mario Quintero Lara, born in Las Huacapas, Sinaloa, Mexico, is a renowned musician and philanthropist best known as the leader and primary songwriter of the iconic Regional Mexican band Los Tucanes de Tijuana. Since forming the group in 1987, Quintero has crafted over 600 songs, including hits like "La Chona" and "El Tucanazo," earning him 34 gold and 30 platinum albums.
His work has transcended music charts, contributing soundtracks to films such as Perdita Durango and El Infierno, and prestigious TV series like Señora Acero and El Chema. A recipient of more than 30 BMI awards and the 2012 Latin Grammy for Best Norteño Album, Mario Quintero continues to influence the industry with his powerful Pacific Norteño sound.