Song meaning of Zapatitos de Hormigon by El Cuarteto de Nos

The song "Zapatitos de Hormigon" by El Cuarteto de Nos tells the story of a person who falls in love with someone from a mafia family while traveling to Chicago. Realizing the danger and complications that come with being involved with the mafia, the narrator contemplates becoming homosexual to distance themselves from the relationship. However, they soon discover that escaping is not that simple, as the person they fell in love with starts to threaten them.

Feeling trapped and fearing for their life, the narrator decides to return to their hometown, Montevideo, Uruguay. They naively believe they have outsmarted the mafia, but they soon find themselves being pursued by the mafiosos. Eventually, they are caught and punished by being thrown into the sea with concrete shoes, a common mafia method of disposing of bodies.

In an unexpected twist, the narrator reveals that they are now living underwater, embraced by the ocean's beauty. They have found happiness and freedom from both the mafia and the police. They have found a new love, someone who understands and accepts them completely. The mention of the girlfriend being a teacher in a school of mermaids adds a whimsical and surreal element to the story.

Overall, the song conveys a message about the consequences of getting involved with dangerous individuals and the lengths one may go to escape such circumstances. It also presents a theme of unexpected freedom and happiness arising from seemingly dire situations. The lyrics blend humor, irony, and a touch of fantasy to create a unique narrative.