El Corrido de Los Perez

The song 'El Corrido de Los Perez' by Los Cadetes de Linares is a narrative ballad that tells the tragic tale of the Perez family, set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution in 1911. Los Cadetes de Linares, a renowned norteño band known for their corridos, which are traditional Mexican ballads that often recount stories of heroism, revolution, and the lives of people in the rural areas of Mexico, bring to life a story of conflict and loss through their music.

The lyrics describe a violent encounter where two brothers and their cousin are killed. The song opens with a historical marker, situating the listener in the time of the event. It then moves on to depict the unfortunate fate of the Perez family members, who lost not only their lives but also their horses and money. The corrido serves as a narrative device, preserving the memory of the Perez family and their bravery. The mention of Don Nico de Luna, who instigated the conflict and cowardly fled the scene, introduces a theme of betrayal and dishonor in contrast to the Perez's courage.

The song also captures the defiance and resolve of the Perez brothers, particularly through the words of Mariano Perez, who insists on dying with honor rather than running away. The imagery of the fallen brothers positioned in different directions, forming a cross, symbolizes sacrifice and perhaps a plea for divine justice. The repeated stanza about the 'carreras del cerro' (races of the hill) emphasizes the chaos and the tragic outcome of the confrontation. The closing lines, which feature a dove flying to deliver the news of the Perez family's demise to their father, add a poignant touch to the narrative, highlighting the sorrow and finality of their fate.