"El Malo" by Jesse & Joy is a song about self-awareness, personal flaws, and the redemption that love can bring. The lyrics tell the story of a person who admits to being imperfect and apologizes for their mistakes, but at the same time, they acknowledge that their partner loves them despite these flaws. The song highlights the protagonist's self-perception as the "bad guy" or the typical jerk. They acknowledge that no one has been able to hurt them, but they are intimidated by the beauty and love that their partner gives them. The lyrics also reference a past summer where they both played at love but were unable to go back to that time. The protagonist recognizes that they have hurt their partner and can't repair the damage caused. Despite being "the bad guy" in their own story, they find solace in the love they receive from their partner, who continues to give love without demanding anything in return. The song emphasizes that darkness is not an enemy of light, implying that love has the power to overcome flaws and bring light to the protagonist's life. Overall, "El Malo" conveys a sense of self-reflection, acceptance of personal faults, and gratitude for the redeeming power of love.
