La Higuera

The song "La Higuera" by Antonio Aguilar, a prominent figure in Mexican ranchera music, tells a story of loss, regret, and the consequences of one's actions. The lyrics open with the image of a withered fig tree, which serves as a metaphor for the singer's own withered relationships and life. The tree's exposed roots could symbolize how the singer's flaws and mistakes are now visible for all to see, leading to his loved one's rejection due to his drinking habits.

The song continues with the singer expressing a sense of being trapped or confined, as he wishes he could lower the high walls that surround him. This could be interpreted as a desire to escape from the barriers he has created for himself, possibly due to his own shortcomings. The mention of wanting to be a bricklayer to 'lower the walls a bit' suggests a yearning to rebuild or repair the damage done. The walls could also represent social or emotional barriers between him and the objects of his affection, the 'beautiful daughters' that are suitable for 'the son of my mother.'

In the final verses, the singer contemplates selling everything he owns, except for the land, which implies a deep connection to his roots and heritage. The encounter with a skull in the cemetery, which tells him that his grave is ready, is a stark reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. This encounter with death serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgency to amend his ways. The repetition of the withered fig tree at the end of the song reinforces the theme of decay and the consequences of a life of excess and neglect.