Raso literally translates to "flat" or "smooth", but in a military context, it refers to the lowest rank, a "private". It's a less common word in everyday Spanish, making it interesting.
In the song, the narrator proudly states, "siendo un raso pase la era de trujillo" (being a private, I went through the Trujillo era). This highlights his humble beginnings and resilience during a significant historical period, adding depth to his story.
Get ready to meet a true character in Sergio Vargas's "El Guardia Del Arsenal"! This song introduces us to a man born in Manzanillo Bay, who claims he has a "Caribe tengo la voz" [Caribbean voice]. He was born under difficult circumstances, almost dead, during the time of Trujillo's state. He felt a calling to be a guard from a young age, even as a little boy, going out alone.
He tells us about his military transfers, from a battalion in the capital to Pedro Brand, rising from a private to a corporal during the revolution. He shares a funny, dramatic story about getting into trouble with a lieutenant over a woman, saying "El teniente me dio el palo y esto a mi muchacho apresó" [The lieutenant hit me and this arrested my boy]. He demands a transfer, declaring "Baby me traslado para asesinar porque yo no muevo para pedro brand" [Baby, transfer me to kill because I'm not moving for Pedro Brand]. It's a lively, storytelling song about a man's life, his military experiences, and his strong personality.