Cándido Rodríguez

The song "Cándido Rodríguez" by Alacranes Musical is a corrido, a traditional Mexican ballad that often tells a story of heroism, oppression, or daily life. This particular corrido narrates the tragic tale of Cándido Rodríguez, a man who meets his demise in a confrontation that involves betrayal and government orders. The lyrics set the scene in a specific geographical context, 'de aquel lado de la sierra,' which helps to ground the story in a real or imagined place that listeners can visualize.

The song begins with Rodríguez addressing his children before leaving for Copalqui to settle some 'facturas' or accounts. Upon his arrival, he encounters a group that includes Adrián, who is drinking while being entertained by the music of Alacranes Musical. Rodríguez is invited to join the festivities and is offered money, which he declines, stating he doesn't need money to enjoy himself in Copalqui. This exchange foreshadows the conflict to come, as Adrián and Abelardo discuss the need to kill Rodríguez, claiming they have orders from the government to do so.

The climax of the song occurs when a corrido is played by Catarino and the rural police, signaling the start of the attack on Rodríguez. Despite being armed, Rodríguez is overpowered and killed, his weapons and ammunition taken from him. The song concludes with a somber image of the pine trees weeping on the mountain ridge as Rodríguez's body is taken away for burial. The corrido serves as a narrative of injustice and the harsh realities faced by individuals who stand against corruption or government orders, often at the cost of their lives.