Lesson 12: DTMF Debí Tirar más fotos

1. Context Explanation

The song 'DtMF' by Bad Bunny is a deep reflection on lost time, memories, and missed opportunities. In the opening verse, he describes a sunset scene in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as a moment of appreciating life and the things that those who have left miss. The soft melody and nostalgic tone of the lyrics capture this feeling of longing and reflection on what is left behind: 'Otro sunset bonito que veo en San Juan / Disfrutando de todas esas cosas que extrañan los que se van (I'm watching another beautiful sunset in San Juan / Enjoying all the things that those who leave miss).'

The song continues with Bad Bunny expressing regret for not capturing more special moments with photos, something he directly mentions by saying: 'Debí tirar más fotos de cuando te tuve / Debí darte más beso y abrazo las veces que pude (I should've taken more pictures when I had you / I should've given you more kisses and hugs whenever I could).' This part reveals a sense of loss, where the artist regrets not making the most of the time with those around him, failing to capture precious moments and express more affection.

Furthermore, Bad Bunny reflects on friendships and personal bonds, wishing that the people close to him stay in his life, without drifting apart: 'Ojalá que los mío' nunca se muden (Hey, I hope my crew never move away).' This desire for stability and closeness is expanded when he talks about the support his friends offer, especially in vulnerable moments, as when he mentions: 'Y si hoy me emborracho, pues que me ayuden (And if I get drunk tonight, then help me out).' Here, he expresses the importance of having loyal and present friends who are by his side through both good and bad situations.

The song also pays tribute to Puerto Rican culture, with references to parties and local music, and emphasizes the importance of living meaningful moments. The celebration of life and shared experiences with others is reflected in verses like: 'Ya Bernie tiene el nene y Jan, la nena' / 'Ya no estamos pa' la movie' y las cadenas' / 'Estamos pa' las cosas que valgan la pena (Bernie's got the boy, and Jan, the girl / We don't care about flexing and jewels anymore / We're here for the things that matter).' Bad Bunny acknowledges that priorities change over time, and now he is more focused on the things that truly matter: human connections and moments that are worth it.

In the visualizer video, posted on Bad Bunny's official YouTube channel, a text written by historian Jorell Meléndez-Badillo mentions the emergence of Puerto Rican music genres that were fundamental in the development of what we now know as reggaeton. It highlights the rhythms bomba and plena, with bomba being considered the oldest in the country. These genres are classified as 'Afro-Puerto Rican' due to their origins, and they faced repression and prejudice, being considered disordered, but this was because they were not produced by the so-called 'high society' and represent a highly marginalized community. Including this information in the video is another strategy adopted by Bad Bunny to reinforce the appreciation of his country's culture.

Finally, the song ends with a message of gratitude and love for his friends and family. He shares a sense of unity and celebration, saying: 'Gente, lo' quiero con cojone', los amo / Gracias por estar aquí, de verdad (Guys, I love you all so much, I really do / Thanks for being here, seriously).' This gratitude reinforces the importance of personal relationships and the awareness that, while we are alive, we should make the most of every moment with the people we love.

Thus, 'DtMF' is a song about valuing the present, reflecting on the past, and the need to seize opportunities while we have time, in a setting of celebration for life, friendship, and culture. It is, in fact, with this message that Bad Bunny introduces his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, starting with the following monologue: 'Photos are lived moments, memories of things that happened. I wasn't one to take photos around, or post stories, or any of that. I used to say it was better to live the moment. But when you reach this age, remembering isn't so easy. I should've taken more photos, lived more, loved more when I could. While we're alive, we should love as much as we can.'

2. Spanish Translation

3. Pronunciation Guide – Sing with Confidence!

Bad Bunny’s accent is uniquely Puerto Rican: relaxed, emotional, and often drops consonants. Don’t stress about sounding perfect—focus on the flow and the emotion.

Challenging Sounds & Tips:

✅ Dropped "S" and relaxed consonants

• Puerto Ricans often soften or drop the “s” at the end of syllables.
  
  

• Fotos may sound like foto
  
  

• Contigo may sound like contiguo
  
  

• You can sing it that way—or stick to clear standard Spanish.
  
  

✅ Soft D in Debí and final vowels

• Debí sounds like deh-BEE with a soft “b”
  
  

• Hold final vowels with sadness and softness: contigo, hubiera, tiempo
  
  

✅ Strong R in emotional words – recordar, borrar

• These "r" sounds are sharp, but not trilled.
  
  

• Practice: re-cor-DAR, bo-RRAR
  
  

✅ Nostalgic tone

• Don’t overact. This song is more like a voice note at 3 a.m. than a performance.
  
  

🎵 Pro Tip:
Sing it like you’re whispering to someone you lost but still love. Keep your pronunciation clear, but natural—like talking with your heart half-broken.

4. Grammar & Vocabulary Highlights

This song beautifully blends past conditional, expressions of regret, and modern slang to create something poetic and real.

Key Vocabulary (10+ words):

Grammar Points:

📌 Past conditional – debí + infinitive

• Debí tirar más fotos contigo = I should’ve taken more pictures with you
  
  

• Other examples:
  
  

• Debí abrazarte más = I should’ve hugged you more
  
  

• Debí escucharte = I should’ve listened to you
  
  

📌 Si + past perfect subjunctive + conditional perfect

• Si hubiera sabido, me quedaba = If I had known, I would’ve stayed
  
  

• Very common in regrets and emotional lyrics
  
  

📌 Reflexive verbs and emotional tone

• Me hubiera gustado = I would have liked
  
  

• Me queda el recuerdo = The memory is all I have left
  
  

📌 Use of modern expressions

• Nota de voz = voice note
  
  

• Tirar fotos = to take pics (informal)
  
  

📌 Imperfect past to describe the vibe

• Siempre salíamos sin pensar = We always went out without thinking
  
  

Used to describe past habits or feelings

5. Practice & Activities

🎧 A. Fill in the Blank – Lyrics Practice
Listen and complete:

Debí ______ más fotos contigo
Pa’ cuando ______ los recuerdos
Y no ______ como un estúpido
Viendo si en alguna sales tú

🎶 B. Sing-Along Challenge

1. Say the lyrics softly—like you're talking to yourself.
   
   

2. Sing along once while sitting still.
   
   

3. Then sing again with your eyes closed and your heart open.
   
   

🗣 C. Discussion Questions

1. What does the speaker regret the most?
   
   

2. What do “photos” represent emotionally in the song?
   
   

3. Is this song about love, or memory—or both?
   
   

📝 D. Make Your Own Regret Line
Use this formula:
I should have [verb] with you
Examples:

• I should have stayed with you
  
  

• I should have said what I felt
  
  

• I should have taken more chances
  
  

🎭 E. Voice Memo Roleplay – Your Own 3AM Confession
Whisper or record yourself saying these lines with raw honesty:

• Debí quedarme más tiempo contigo
  
  

• No puedo borrar tus fotos
  
  

• Lo peor es que tú ya me olvidaste
  
  

This song is a gentle and powerful reminder that language is emotion, and Spanish gives you beautiful ways to express it. Close your eyes, feel the music, and sing your heart out—despacito y con verdad. 📸💔🎤