De Huaraches Y Sombrero
Arley Perez
From Humble Beginnings to Power and Wealth: The Story of 'De Huaraches Y Sombrero'
The song 'De Huaraches Y Sombrero' by Arley Perez is a narrative that tells the story of a person's journey from humble beginnings to achieving wealth and power. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life that starts with hard labor and simple living, as symbolized by the 'huaraches' (a type of traditional Mexican sandal) and a 'Panama hat,' which are items associated with the rural and working-class people of Mexico. The protagonist begins with a life of toil 'from sun to sun' in the hills, a testament to the hardworking nature of rural life.
The song's chorus reflects on a piece of wisdom imparted by the protagonist's father: 'You are worth as much as you have.' This saying highlights the harsh reality of social status and the value placed on material wealth. The protagonist acknowledges that only the wealthy are respected and surrounded by friends, while the poor are often ignored. However, the protagonist claims to have only two true friends, implying loyalty and trust are more valuable than the number of acquaintances one has.
As the song progresses, the protagonist describes a turning point where their fortunes change. They speak of taking risks ('jumping into the water') to achieve their desires, which leads to wealth and power. The lyrics also mention enjoying the fruits of success, such as drinking with a live band and being able to stroll comfortably through Sinaloa in a 'perrona' truck, still wearing 'huaraches' and a hat. The song ends with gratitude to the protagonist's father for his wise advice, suggesting that despite the change in circumstances, the protagonist remains grounded in their roots and values.