Los Tres Gallos
La Arrolladora Banda El Limon
The Ballad of the Fallen: Unraveling 'Los Tres Gallos'
The song 'Los Tres Gallos' by La Arrolladora Banda El Limon is a narrative corrido, a traditional Mexican genre that often tells a story, frequently about the lives and fates of people involved in the drug trade or other illicit activities. The lyrics recount the tale of three men from Jalisco who arrive in Mazatlán, known for their impatience and desire to live life on their own terms. These 'three roosters' are characters who seem to be involved in some form of criminal activity, as suggested by the ominous signs of danger that surround them.
The song takes a tragic turn when it describes the assassination of two of the men, Everardo and Eliseo, and the wounding of the third, Javier Barba. The lyrics convey a sense of betrayal and the harsh realities of a life of crime, where even the closest allies may not come to one's aid in the time of need. The mention of 'corita' could refer to a friend or an ally who, if present, might have changed the outcome of the situation. The song ends with a somber farewell to the fallen men, acknowledging their lifestyle and the inevitable consequences they faced.
'Los Tres Gallos' serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living outside the law and the fickle nature of loyalty among criminals. It also touches on themes of envy and betrayal, suggesting that these vices can lead to one's downfall. The corrido is a reflection of the cultural landscape in which it was created, where stories of violence and loss are all too common, and where the figure of the 'gallo' or 'rooster' symbolizes both bravery and the potential for tragedy.