The narrator reminisces about a man named Viking, who had a tattoo of his sweetheart's name where a smile should have been, a scar where his heart should have been, and was about everything. The repetition of the question "Do you remember Viking?" highlights the significance of this character in the narrator's past.

Meaning of "Viking" by Los Lobos

The lyrics of "Viking" by Los Lobos evoke a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness as the narrator recalls a man named Viking who seems to embody a life filled with pain and loss. Viking, with his tattoo of his sweetheart's name where a smile should have been, suggests a longing for love and companionship but seemingly unable to find happiness. The scar where his heart should have been alludes to emotional wounds and vulnerability, indicating a history of heartbreak and disappointment. The repetition of the question "Do you remember Viking?" not only emphasizes the significance of this individual in the narrator's memory but also hints at the idea of remembrance and the passing of time. Viking's larger-than-life presence, as implied by the statement "He was about everything," suggests that he may have symbolized more than just one person but rather a representation of all those who have faced hardship and struggled to find contentment. Overall, "Viking" portrays a poignant character study of an individual marked by pain and longing, leaving a lasting impression on those who remember him.