Medellín Lyrics in English by tornillo
Bendito translates to "blessed." While it's a common word, its use in this context is particularly striking and thought-provoking.
The lyrics state, "Esta es la historia de un gangster que se hizo bendito" (This is the story of a gangster who became blessed). This creates an intriguing paradox, as the idea of a gangster becoming "blessed" challenges typical perceptions and invites the listener to discover the unique narrative behind this transformation.
"Medellín" is a self-made-gangster story, and Tornillo spells out exactly how the character got there. "Él nunca fue hecho en la cocina, pero sabía la receta" (He was never made in the kitchen, but he knew the recipe) is the hook, repeated twice: he wasn't born into the business, he just figured out how it worked on his own. The verses walk the climb step by step, "Subiendo cada escalón, contando cada peseta" (Climbing every step, counting every penny), until the payoff line lands: "En la calle tiene honor y su apellido pesa" (In the street he has honor, and his last name carries weight).
The second half turns darker. "Lo miraba a la muerte, aunque él todavía no lo sabe" (He stared at death, though he still doesn't know it) comes right after the line about knowing his hustle since he was "bien morrito" (just a kid), and by the time the song admits "La mafia trae dinero y el dinero trae desastre" (The mafia brings money, and money brings disaster), the bragging starts sounding like a warning. The closing lines say it outright: "En la cárcel o en la calle" (in jail or in the street) is the only choice of ending this life leaves anyone.
