The Netflix original crime drama Narcos is set and filmed in Colombia. The show chronicles the real-life stories of the drug kingpins of the late 1980s and the efforts of law enforcement to bring them down. Narcos has two seasons set in Colombia focusing on the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. The show has an iconic and memorable main theme song that perfectly captures the drama and intrigue of the series.
About Narcos Colombia
Narcos is an American crime drama web television series created and produced by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. Season 1 and 2 are set and filmed in Colombia, chronicling the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel.
The show begins in the late 1970s as Pablo Escobar starts developing his cocaine operation around Medellín, Colombia. It follows Escobar’s interactions with drug lords, DEA agents, and various opposition entities. Seasons 1 and 2 feature Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar and Boyd Holbrook as DEA agent Steve Murphy.
Narcos proved to be a big hit for Netflix and was widely acclaimed by critics who praised its acting, cinematography, directing, and narrative. The show depicts the violence and corruption associated with the Colombian drug trade and has a dark, gritty tone. The Colombian setting is integral as it follows the operations of the Medellín Cartel.
About the Narcos Theme Song
The iconic Narcos theme song sets the tone and mood for the entire show. Titled “Tuyo” (Spanish for “Yours”), the song was composed by Rodrigo Amarante, a Brazilian singer-songwriter. The Brazilian Portuguese lyrics are evocative of the show’s dangerous and seductive essence.
Here is some background about the Narcos theme song “Tuyo”:
– “Tuyo” means “Yours” in Spanish which references Escobar’s possessive nature and ambition. The lyrics talk about being intoxicated and under the spell of a powerful and dangerous love. This connects to the show’s themes of temptation, addiction, danger, and moral ambiguity.
– The song has a smooth sultry vibe with Latin beats, synthesizers, and electric guitars overlaying Amarante’s soulful vocals. The rich instrumentation creates a dark, hazy atmosphere that matches the show’s gritty realism.
– Amarante was brought on to write the song after the showrunners heard his earlier work. They wanted a Portuguese Brazilian sound as it had more mystique and exoticism than regular Spanish.
– The Portuguese lyrics help make it accessible for global audiences. The song is meant to immerse viewers in the mysterious and murky world of Escobar and the cartel violence in Colombia.
– “Tuyo” plays during the opening credits montage scene which shows aerial shots of the Colombian landscape mixed with narco imagery. This immediately sets the backdrop for the show’s perilous and morally ambiguous world.
– The theme song sets up viewer expectations that Narcos will be a thrilling rollercoaster ride into the dangerous world of Pablo Escobar where narcotics and violence collide with the law. The show balances gripping drama with biographical details of real events.
Lyrics and Meaning
Let’s take a look at the Portuguese lyrics of “Tuyo” by Rodrigo Amarante and examine the meaning behind the sensual and ambiguous words:
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Eu sou o seu, o senhor é meu
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Eu quero ser pego em seus braços
Translation:
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I am yours, you are mine
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I want to be caught in your arms
The opening refrain sets the tone of temptation and intoxication. The singer declares complete submission and devotion to their dangerous lover. There are religious undertones playing on Catholic imagery associated with Colombia.
Com você cada momento é mágico
É como um sonho, um alucinógeno
Um delírio tão fantástico
Translation:
With you every moment is magical
It’s like a dream, a hallucinogen
A fantasy so fantastic
These lyrics continue the theme of being spellbound by the intoxicating presence of the lover. Like an addictive drug, they are overwhelmed by euphoria and fantasy whenever together. Escobar’s power and wealth had a hold over people, allowing his cartel to thrive on corruption.
Me levando a outros níveis
Se derreter com você é fácil
Foge comigo, é tão perigoso
Nos traga pra perto, é obsessão
Translation:
Taking me to other levels
Melting with you is easy
Run away with me, it’s so dangerous
Bring us close, it’s obsession
The temptation turns into outright danger and obsession. There are definitely drug cartel references here about how addiction makes people lose control despite the hazards involved. The lyrics parallel how Escobar drew in allies and partners into his web of violent power, despite how perilous things became.
Entre sonhos e a realidade
é o lugar que eu quero estar
connectados por um abraço
Translation:
Between dreams and reality
It’s the place I want to be
Connected by an embrace
Escobar built his empire trafficking cocaine dreams to addicts seeking an escape from reality. But the comfortable fantasy world he created for himself and his partners was born out of dangerous criminal obsession. The song highlights the parallel worlds occupied by Medellín Cartel.
O seu charme é tão viciante
Invade minha mente sem pedir licença
E rouba minha inocência
Translation:
Your charm is so addictive
Invading my mind without asking permission
And stealing my innocence
More descriptions of the allure of this intoxicating and dangerous relationship. Escobar used his wealth and power to charm people into supporting his cartel and overlooking his violence and criminality. The song highlights his ability to corrupt others for his needs.
Entre sonhos e a realidade
é o lugar que eu quero estar
connectados por um abraço
Translation:
Between dreams and reality
It’s the place I want to be
Connected by an embrace
Again, the song references the fantasy narcotics world occupied by the cartel. It became an escape for Escobar and his partners even as violence and danger surrounded them. The lyrics reflect the moral questions people get trapped in once corruption takes hold.
Use in the Show
“Tuyo” is featured prominently throughout Narcos in the following ways:
– Opening credits scene – The song plays during aerial montage over Colombian landscapes as titles roll. The combination of visuals and music immerse viewers in the world of the show.
– Transitional scenes – “Tuyo” plays during transitional scenes bridging action and dialogues. The smooth Latin vibe helps change the mood and pace.
– End credits – A slower instrumental version plays during the closing credits after most episodes. This nicely bookends each episode providing continuity.
– Background score – Faint instrumental motifs of “Tuyo” can be heard as background score during action scenes. The familiar melody subtly reminds viewers of the show’s addictive world.
– Pablo’s introduction – A sinister, subdued version introduces Pablo in episode 1 as he gets a shave at the barbershop. This implies his charming yet dangerous duality.
– Key moments – Memorable scenes such as Pablo’s surrender, shootouts, and cartel parties are enhanced by clever use of “Tuyo” setting the right tone.
The versatile theme song becomes integral to the atmosphere and mood of Narcos. Its masterful use throughout the show helps provide an immersive experience for viewers into the perilous world of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel in Colombia.
Popularity and Acclaim
The Narcos main theme “Tuyo” rapidly became iconic and popular with fans globally:
– Got over 125 million Spotify streams becoming widely shared and listened beyond the show.
– Featured in Youtube lyric breakdowns, dance videos, and instrumental covers showing its cultural impact.
– Rodrigo Amarante gained new international recognition as the composer/singer.
– Recurring jokes and memes about the song’s addictive quality like the show’s narcotics theme.
– Widely discussed on Reddit threads and social media platforms as fans connected with its mystic lyrics.
– Critics praised the song’s crucial role in the show calling it the pulse that breathed life into Narcos.
– Performed live by Amarante at major events like the Narcos premiere and Netflix awards celebrations.
– Cover versions released by other artists in English, Spanish, and various musical styles as tribute.
Clearly “Tuyo” struck a major chord globally both through its presence in Narcos and as a breakout hit individually. Fans embraced its somber lyrics and ethnic sound as the perfect companion to the gritty, addictive show. While Narcos has evolved over various seasons, “Tuyo” remains the definitive and iconic musical identity tied to Pablo Escobar’s Medellín Cartel in Colombia.
Conclusion
The smooth vocals and exotic Portuguese lyrics of “Tuyo” by Rodrigo Amarante form the perfect and memorable theme song for Narcos Colombia. Its dark sensuality matches the intoxicating danger portrayed in Pablo Escobar’s world of corruption and violence in the Medellín Cartel. The song’s fluctuating pace, synthesizers, and guitars, combo provide a thrilling sonic backdrop.
“Tuyo” is integrated thoughtfully throughout the show during opening/closing credits, transitions, parties, action, and character introductions. This underscored its role in immersing viewers in the perilous world of Colombia’s drug trade in the 1980s. Both fans and critics praised the song’s massive contribution to the show’s hypnotic appeal and success.
Ultimately, “Tuyo” reflects everything about Narcos all within a 3-minute package – the allure of power, fantastical craving for dreams, ominous danger from obsession, and the moral ambiguity of temptation. It reminds us that between the intoxicating highs of fantasy and the harsh truths of reality, lie the greatest risks and rewards.
