People Are Googling The Lyrics To Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ And Realizing How Devastating They Are

The titular song on Bad Bunny’s Grammy-winning ‘Album of the Year’ speaks to a kind of universal grief and nostalgia, but also contains an angle that is specific to the Puerto Rican experience and it’s diaspora.  The chorus, translates as follows:

“I should’ve taken more pictures when I had you I should’ve given you more kisses and hugs whenever I could Ayy, I hope my people never move away And if I get drunk today, I hope they help me out”

Most people have lost a family member by the time they reach Benito’s 31 years of age, and the regret that comes with that loss, the things we wanted to do, or will never get to do again, is so relatable.

But for the Puerto Rican community specifically, there is another layer of grief to examine. Of the approximately 9-10 million Puerto Rican’s in the world, roughly only 3 million inhabit the island of Puerto Rico itself. The rest can be found in diaspora (away from their homeland), with ˜6 million living in the U.S.

So the loss of a grandparent may also mean losing the last living relative to come “home” to, and death is not the only avenue for this loss. When he sings “Ojalá que los mío’ nunca se muden / I hope my people never move away”, he speaks to the possibility that family members may leave the island voluntarily or out of necessity.

The artist even co-wrote and directed a short film last year to accompany the album, with participation from Puerto Rican actor, poet, writer, playwright, filmmaker, and author, Jacobo Morales to illustrate the ways the island is becoming more and more gentrified, and the ways it affects culture and affordability for native Puerto Ricans.

In an exchange with a “gringa” employee at the local bakery, Jacobo’s character finds that traditional items like “quesito” have been veganized and marked up, and he is unable to pay for his meal in the “cashless” storefront. Luckily, another local man notices what is occurring, pays for the meal with his credit card, and delivers the line, “Seguimos aquí / We’re still here”, which Bad Bunny echoed at the Super Bowl.