Remember that song, Mack the Knife, the 1958 classic performed by Bobby Darin? Well, Panamanian singer/songwriter Rubén Blades wrote one of his greatest hits, Pedro Navaja, based on Mack the Knife. It talks about a neighborhood thug who appears to die during a robbery (his song “Sorpresas” continues the story). Here’s some vocabulary so you can understand the story.

Tumbao (tumbado) – rhythm, strut
Guapos – bad boys
Gabán – coat
Pa’ que – so that
Puñal – dagger
Sombrero de ala ancha – wide brim hat
Zapatillas – sneakers
Salir volao (volado) – to flee
Acera – sidewalk
Zaguán – hallway
Darse un trago – to have a drink
Flojo – lazy
To’os (todos) – everyone
Pasar la vista – to look briefly
A la carrera – running
Refunfuñar – to grumble
No hacer pesos – not to make money
Cargar encima –to have something with you (money, gun, etc.)
Irle para encima a alguien – to attack someone
Hundir – to sink; to plunge
De pronto – all of a sudden
Estar salao/salá – to be damned
Aunque – although

Check out the vídeo below and the lyrics here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmb2foAxa8U

Now, would you know how to retell the story of what happened to Pedro Navaja and the woman?

Looking forward to your comments!