“Santería” is one of the most well-known songs by the American ska-punk band Sublime. It was released in 1996 as part of their self-titled album Sublime, their third and final studio album before the death of lead singer and guitarist Bradley Nowell. The song became a hit and is one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
Themes & Lyrics
“Santería” blends elements of reggae, ska, and rock, with catchy and controversial lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who, heartbroken over the loss of his girlfriend, contemplates using Santería (a syncretic religion that blends African traditions with Catholicism) and other methods of revenge to win her back. The lyrics reference the narrator’s desire for retribution, with lines like “I don’t practice Santería, I ain’t got no crystal ball” indicating that he doesn’t have the mystical powers he might wish for, but he still fantasizes about doing something drastic to reclaim his lost love.
Intro
Verse
Solo
The song’s guitar solo, played by Bradley Nowell (Sublime’s lead vocalist and guitarist).
Bradley Nowell was known for his ability to blend various styles, and in this solo, you hear elements of both blues and rock.
Nowell uses the pentatonic scale as the backbone of the solo. It’s not a fast, technical solo but adds to the song’s mood and atmosphere, emphasizing feel over virtuosity. The phrasing is deliberate, with spaces between notes that allow the emotion of the solo to breathe.
While the solo isn’t overtly reggae, it still carries a rhythmic, syncopated quality that fits the song’s overall vibe. The song mixes rock and reggae, and the solo maintains this blend.
