Bad Bunny – DtMF. Lyrics & Meaning
Bad Bunny – DtMF: A Bittersweet Ode to Living in the Moment
Ever find yourself scrolling deep into your camera roll, only to be stopped by a photo you completely forgot existed? Suddenly, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia so strong it almost feels like a punch to the gut. It’s a bittersweet mix of warmth for the memory and a pang of regret for not appreciating it more when it was happening. You’re smiling at the screen, but also wishing you could just jump back in time for a second. If you’ve ever felt that, then you’ve felt the very soul of a particular Bad Bunny song.
This track perfectly bottles that complex feeling of loving the past while trying to live in the now. And trust me, this article is going to unpack the beautiful, messy, and deeply relatable story that Benito is telling, revealing a message you might have missed between the beats.
More Than a Vibe: What “DtMF” by Bad Bunny is Truly About
On the surface, “DtMF” kicks off with a classic Bad Bunny vibe. He paints a picture of him enjoying a beautiful sunset in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It feels mellow, a moment of peace. But right from the jump, there’s a layer of melancholy. He’s not just enjoying the view; he’s thinking about how this is exactly the kind of simple, beautiful thing that people who have moved away from the island miss the most.
Otro sunset bonito que veo en San Juan
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Disfrutando de todas esas cosas que extrañan los que se van
Enjoying all those things that the ones who leave miss
Disfrutando de noche’ de esas que ya no se dan
Enjoying nights like those that don’t happen anymore
This isn’t just a casual observation; it’s a commentary on change and loss. He’s enjoying nights that are becoming rare, a possible nod to the gentrification changing his beloved island. This nostalgia immediately pivots to a more personal longing, a desire to rewind time not just for the place, but for a person.
The “I Should Have…” Chorus That Hits Way Too Close to Home
This is where the song’s title, an acronym for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” comes crashing in. It’s a raw confession of regret that is universally understood. It’s the heart of the track, a sentiment that has resonated so deeply with fans that it’s become a viral trend for sharing memories of loved ones.
I should have taken more photos when I had you
Debí darte más beso’ y abrazo’ las vece’ que pude
I should have given you more kisses and hugs the times I could have
This isn’t just about wishing for more pictures; it’s about wishing for more presence. It’s the regret of not savoring the moments, not giving one more hug, not saying the unsaid things. The feeling extends beyond romantic love to his “people,” his crew, with the heartfelt plea, “I hope my people never move away.” It’s a fear of losing that connection, that community, which grounds him.
From Dominoes with Grandpa to a Wild Night Out
The song then takes us on a journey through Benito’s day, showcasing a beautiful conflict. One moment, he’s planning a quiet day, a cherished, simple pleasure:
Hoy voy a estar con abuelo to’l día, jugando dominó
This image of connecting with his roots and family is immediately contrasted with a desire to let loose and party in Santurce. He wants to drink, talk nonsense, and escape the weight of his thoughts. It’s in this whirlwind of emotion that a new resolution is born: an urgent need to live life to the fullest precisely because you never know how much time is left.
Vamo’ a disfrutar, que nunca se sabe si nos queda poco
Let’s enjoy it, ’cause you never know if we have little time left
A Heartfelt Interruption: More Than a Song
One of the most powerful moments is the spoken-word interlude. The music softens, and it feels like we’re listening to a personal voicemail from Benito to his friends. It’s raw, unpolished, and incredibly sincere.
Gente, lo’ quiero con cojone’, los amo
People, I love you with all my heart, I love you
Gracias por estar aquí, de verdad
Thank you for being here, for real
This break reinforces the central theme: appreciate your people while they’re right here in front of you. He calls everyone in for a picture, a direct action to combat the very regret he was just singing about. It’s a beautiful, self-aware moment of putting his own lesson into practice.
Growing Up, But Not Apart
The final verse reflects on the natural progression of life. His friends are growing up, having kids, and their priorities are shifting. The focus isn’t on flashy things anymore, but on what holds genuine value.
Ya no estamo’ pa’ la movie’ y las cadena’
We’re not about the movies and chains anymore
‘Tamos pa’ las cosa’ que valgan la pena
We’re about the things that are worthwhile
Even as life changes, the core connections remain, celebrated through the simple joys of Puerto Rican culture like music and dance—perreo, la salsa, la bomba y la plena.
So, what’s the ultimate message here? “DtMF” is a powerful, emotional reminder to be present. It acknowledges the sting of regret but doesn’t wallow in it. Instead, it uses that feeling as fuel to appreciate the now. It’s about understanding that while we can’t get the past back, we can live our present with more intention and love. Take the pictures, yes, but more importantly, live the moments so fully that the memories are etched in your heart, not just your phone.
Ultimately, “DtMF” captures a cycle of feelings we all experience: nostalgia for what was, regret for what wasn’t, and a renewed passion for what is. It’s a celebration of friendship, culture, and the beautiful mess of being human. But that’s just how I see it. What feelings does this song bring up for you? I’d love to hear if you have a different take on it.
