El Corrido Del Chapo
El Tigrillo Palma
The Ballad of a Notorious Figure: El Corrido Del Chapo
The song "El Corrido Del Chapo" by El Tigrillo Palma is a narrative ballad that tells the story of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. Corridos are a traditional Mexican music genre that often recount the lives and exploits of famous figures, particularly in the context of the Mexican Revolution or the drug trade. This song is no exception, as it paints a picture of El Chapo's life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to power within the criminal underworld.
The lyrics describe El Chapo as a man of short stature but with a reputation that reaches the heavens. They mention his experiences with both wealth and poverty, suggesting a respect for him that is contingent on how he is treated by others. The song also alludes to his notorious escapes from prison, indicating that he is a figure who can evade even the most dire situations. The chorus of the song seems to humanize El Chapo by mentioning his family ties and the love he has sown, indicating that he has many children.
The song concludes with a personal touch, as the singer sends greetings to old friends through the corrido and refers to himself as 'the uncle' to his nephews, while to others he is known as Chapo Guzmán. This ending highlights the duality of El Chapo's identity as both a family man and a criminal figure, a common theme in corridos that often portray their subjects as complex characters with both admirable and condemnable qualities.