Corrido de Los Pérez
La Adictiva
A Tale of Tragedy and Honor: The Ballad of Los Pérez
“Corrido de Los Pérez” by La Adictiva is a poignant narrative that delves into themes of family honor, betrayal, and tragic loss. Set in the early 20th century, the song recounts the harrowing events of April 20, 1911, when two brothers and a cousin from the Pérez family were murdered. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the fateful day, emphasizing the cowardice of the perpetrator, Don Nico de Luna, who instigated the violence and then fled the scene. This act of betrayal sets the stage for a story steeped in sorrow and the quest for justice.
The song's narrative structure is typical of the corrido genre, a traditional Mexican ballad form that often tells stories of real-life events, heroes, and villains. The Pérez family’s tragedy is depicted through a series of vivid images and emotional declarations. Isidro Pérez’s lament about being ambushed unfairly and Mariano Pérez’s resolute stance on dying with honor rather than fleeing highlight the family's unwavering commitment to their principles. The imagery of the brothers falling in different directions, forming a cross, adds a layer of symbolic depth, suggesting their sacrifice and the gravity of their loss.
La Adictiva, known for their powerful storytelling and emotive musical style, brings this historical narrative to life with a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. The song not only serves as a tribute to the fallen Pérez family members but also as a reflection on the broader themes of honor, courage, and the devastating impact of violence. The closing lines, where a dove is sent to inform the father of the Pérez family about the tragic end of his sons, encapsulate the profound grief and the enduring legacy of their story.