El Hijo Desobediente

The song "El Hijo Desobediente" by Antonio Aguilar tells a dramatic story of a rebellious son who faces the consequences of his defiance. The narrative unfolds with two young men, presumably including the titular disobedient son, on the verge of a fight. The tension escalates when one of their fathers arrives, pleading with his son to stop fighting. The son, however, is too consumed by anger and warns his father to stay away, lest he harm him in his rage.

The father, distressed by his son's words, predicts a grim fate for him, suggesting that his life will be taken before dawn. The son then makes a morbid request for his burial, asking not to be laid to rest in consecrated ground but rather in common soil where livestock may trample over his grave. This request symbolizes his acknowledgment of his disgraceful behavior. He leaves behind a horse for his father, as a token of appreciation for his upbringing, and his remaining horses for the poor, perhaps seeking redemption for his actions.

The song concludes with the image of a black bull, previously untamed, now mixed with the herd, symbolizing the son's inevitable downfall and blending with the masses in death. The final lines serve as a cautionary tale, warning of the potential fate that awaits a disobedient child. The song, steeped in Mexican cultural references such as the importance of family honor and the symbolism of the bull, is a poignant reminder of the perils of defying parental guidance and societal norms.