Corrido de Lucio Vazquez (Los Pavos Reales)

The song 'Corrido de Lucio Vázquez' by Antonio Aguilar is a traditional Mexican ballad that tells the tragic story of a man named Lucio Vázquez. The corrido, a genre known for narrating tales of heroes and villains, love, and conflict, often reflects the social issues and the cultural context of the time it was written. In this song, the narrative unfolds the events leading to the murder of Lucio Vázquez, which is linked to his love for a young woman.

The lyrics begin with a somber announcement of Lucio's death and a metaphorical reference to peacocks flying towards the wet mountains, possibly symbolizing the escape of something beautiful or the soul's journey after death. The story progresses as Lucio is invited to a dance, despite his parents' warnings that they sense danger. Their premonitions prove true when Lucio's rival, who was waiting for him at the dance, confronts him. After refusing to drink with his rival, an argument ensues, leading to a fight where Lucio is fatally stabbed in the back, a betrayal that his mother had feared.

The song concludes with a poignant plea to the Virgin of Guadalupe, a figure deeply revered in Mexican culture, asking for permission to rise again, which reflects the hope for justice or redemption. The final lines reiterate Lucio's murder and the cause being his love for a young woman, emphasizing the senselessness of the violence and the sorrow of the loss. The corrido serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of love, jealousy, and betrayal, and it preserves the memory of Lucio Vázquez through the tradition of storytelling in song.