"Santeria" by Sublime reflects the struggles of a man introspectively looking to improve his life and rise up against the oppression he faces. He acknowledges the lack of guidance he has and the fact that he is alone in the battle, but he has the courage to keep fighting and to break free from the chains of his situation. The lyrics also reflect a man looking for love and understanding, but being aware that his journey may take him away from everyone he knows. In the end, he is willing to whatever he needs to do in order to save himself, even if it means "popping a cap" into his enemy.