Pedro Avilez
El Coyote Y Su Banda
The Ballad of Pedro Avilez: A Tale of Bravery and Betrayal
The song "Pedro Avilez" by El Coyote Y Su Banda is a narrative corrido, a traditional Mexican musical form that tells a story, often about the lives of famous figures, heroes, or outlaws. The lyrics recount the life and death of a man named Pedro Avilez, who is depicted as a brave and respected figure within his community. The song begins by mentioning that he was nicknamed 'licenciado,' a term that can imply a level of education or respect, and it is said that he was very courageous. His death, however, came by betrayal, as he was shot in the back, suggesting that his enemies could not confront him directly due to his strength and reputation.
The song goes on to describe Pedro's exploits, crossing borders into the United States, traveling through Texas, flying to Chicago, and making a name for himself in California. These lines paint a picture of a man who was fearless and well-traveled, possibly involved in activities that required crossing borders clandestinely. The mention of various locations also implies that Pedro's influence and connections were widespread. The chorus, with its repeated cries to 'GITANO' and 'CULICHI,' suggests that Pedro was a leader or a boss to these individuals, and his death is a significant loss to his friends and associates who will remember him as a great friend from Sinaloa, a state in Mexico known for its strong cultural ties to corrido music.
The final verses of the song mention Pedro's associations with various individuals, possibly other figures of note or respect within the same circles. The song concludes by reinforcing Pedro's status as a sincere man and a legend among his people. The death of Avilez is portrayed as the end of an era, marking the loss of one of the greatest leaders to have reigned. The song, through its storytelling and emotional delivery, immortalizes Pedro Avilez as a larger-than-life character, whose life story is worthy of being sung about and remembered. El Coyote Y Su Banda, known for their regional Mexican music, use the corrido to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Pedro Avilez, ensuring that his tale of bravery and betrayal continues to resonate with listeners.