El Rey

The song 'El Rey' is a classic of Mexican music, famously performed by Vicente Fernández and later by his son Alejandro Fernández, both icons in the genre of ranchera music. The lyrics of 'El Rey' speak to a sense of pride and independence, with the protagonist asserting his autonomy and self-worth regardless of his circumstances. The song opens with the acknowledgment of being 'outside' or perhaps marginalized, but it quickly turns to a declaration of resilience, stating that even in death, the protagonist will leave a mark, causing those who underestimated him to mourn.

The chorus of 'El Rey' is a bold proclamation of self-sovereignty. The lines 'Con dinero o sin dinero yo hago siempre lo que quiero y mi palabra es la ley' translate to 'With money or without, I always do what I want, and my word is the law.' This reflects a spirit that values personal freedom and integrity over material wealth and societal status. The song rejects the need for a throne or a queen, symbolizing traditional power structures, and instead finds strength in self-reliance and the journey of life itself.

The metaphor of a stone in the path teaching the protagonist that life is about rolling on, and the advice from a muleteer that one doesn't need to arrive first but must know how to arrive, encapsulates the song's message about perseverance and wisdom. 'El Rey' is not just a song about individualism, but also about understanding life's journey and recognizing that the true measure of a 'king' is in his ability to navigate life's challenges with dignity and self-respect.