La tragedia de Bertín y Lalo

The song "La tragedia de Bertín y Lalo" by the Mexican duo Bertín y Lalo is a narrative ballad that tells a harrowing story of deception, corruption, and injustice. The lyrics begin with a polite introduction, thanking the audience for their attention, setting the stage for the duo to recount a personal and distressing experience. The song serves as a vehicle for Bertín y Lalo to share their story with their listeners, emphasizing the importance of their message.

The core of the song describes how Bertín y Lalo were hired to perform in Matamoros but were unwittingly used to transport a large quantity of marijuana. They passed through checkpoints without issue, thanks to the authorities' negligence, but were eventually stopped by federal police. The situation quickly deteriorated when the driver of their vehicle could not produce the necessary paperwork, leading to their arrest on suspicion of drug trafficking. The song highlights the duo's claim of innocence and their refusal to participate in the corruption by paying a bribe to secure their release.

The final verses of the song offer a scathing critique of the Mexican government's corruption, suggesting that justice is often swayed by money. If one has the means to pay, they can be seen as a 'miraculous saint' by the authorities, but without money, one is subjected to torment and imprisonment. The song ends with a somber reflection on their plight, leaving the audience with a poignant message about the harsh realities of corruption and its impact on the innocent.