Song meaning of À la Carte by Made, Shabab & Rasa

The song "À la Carte" by Made, Shabab & Rasa explores themes of struggle, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the artists as they navigate through life in an environment filled with illegal activities and limited opportunities.

In the first verse, Rasa reflects on the streets being "illegal, egal" and describes himself and his companions as "Niños de la calle" (children of the street) who are hungry for a future in Marbella. He mentions smoking marijuana and carrying two kilos of packets in his bag, defiantly showing his middle finger to the police. The reference to Camavinga, a young football player who rose to fame, symbolizes their desire to climb from the bottom to the top.

Shabab takes over in the second verse, addressing his friend with the term "Frèro" and highlighting their shared mentality of being like tigers. He mentions encountering obstacles on his way to "Arriva" and compares their resilience to pythons and rats. The line "Haben uns verloren wegen Ta7shish, Maria" suggests that they have lost themselves due to the influence of drugs and the struggles they face.

The pre-hook sung by Rasa reflects on the loss of freedom and the dramatic events that have occurred on his journey. He apologizes to his mother for the difficulties he has faced and expresses his transformation into an "Assasin" (assassin), implying that he has become hardened by his experiences.

The catchy hook sung by Shabab emphasizes a shift in their mindset, as they now choose to live life "à la carte." This phrase suggests that they will no longer accept a predetermined fate but instead take control of their own lives. They have endured a long period of decline and have often been suspected of wrongdoing, surprising those who may have doubted their ability to rise above their circumstances.

In the third verse, Shabab mentions a woman who desires wealth and the beach, contrasting her aspirations with their own struggles. He describes the hunger and emptiness he feels, waking up at 5 a.m. and apologizing to his mother for the pain he has caused her.

Rasa concludes the song in the fourth verse, assuring his loved one that nothing will hold him back from continuing on his path. He mentions being hit by bullets, suggesting that he has faced danger and adversity, but those who tried to harm him gained nothing. He also references the police ("Zivis mit Antenn'n") who want to put him in handcuffs, acknowledging that life is exhausting and that his mother had warned him about the challenges he would face.

Overall, "À la Carte" is a powerful song that delves into the struggles and determination of the artists as they strive for a better life despite the obstacles they face. It showcases their resilience, defiance, and the desire to break free from the limitations imposed on them.