El Corrido De Los Perez
Las Jilguerillas
A Tragic Tale of Honor and Loss: The Ballad of the Perez Family
Las Jilguerillas' song "El Corrido De Los Perez" is a poignant narrative that delves into the tragic events surrounding the Perez family in 1911. The song recounts the murder of two brothers and a cousin, painting a vivid picture of the violence and betrayal that led to their demise. The lyrics begin by setting the historical context and quickly move into the fateful day of April 20th, when Don Mariano Perez was killed by a coward. This sets the tone for a story steeped in themes of honor, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life in that era.
The song continues to describe the unfortunate events that unfolded during a race in the hills, where lives, horses, and money were lost. The mention of Domingo de Luna, who ignited the conflict and was the first to flee at the sound of gunfire, highlights the cowardice and chaos that characterized the incident. The lyrics then shift to the perspectives of Jesus and Isidro Perez, who express their resolve and disdain for cowardice. Jesus vows to stand his ground, while Isidro laments that if the situation had been handled honorably, the outcome might have been different.
The narrative reaches its climax with the deaths of the Perez brothers, each falling in different directions, symbolically forming a cross. This imagery underscores the gravity of their sacrifice and the deep sense of loss felt by their family. The song concludes with a plea to a dove to inform the father of the Perez brothers about the tragic end of his sons, adding a layer of sorrow and finality to the story. Through its evocative lyrics and emotional depth, "El Corrido De Los Perez" serves as a powerful tribute to the Perez family's courage and the devastating impact of violence and betrayal.