El Mochomo

The song 'El Mochomo' by Los Canelos de Durango is an example of a narco-corrido, a genre of Mexican music that tells the stories of the drug trade, its players, and their lifestyles. The lyrics often glorify the drug lords and their exploits, and 'El Mochomo' is no exception. The title itself refers to a nickname, which means 'termites' in Spanish, and is used to describe someone who is hard to catch or eradicate. The song is a narrative about Alfredo Beltrán, a real-life figure in the Mexican drug trade, known for his leadership and elusive nature.

The lyrics paint a picture of Alfredo Beltrán as a respected and feared man. They describe his demeanor, his loyalty to friends, and his ruthlessness towards enemies. The song's verses highlight the duality of his character: a gentleman to some, but a dangerous adversary to others. The reference to 'mochomos' suggests that his followers are industrious and persistent, much like the insects they are named after. The song also alludes to the harsh realities of the drug trade, with mentions of the sun and the 'encuevan' (going into hiding) with their 'carga' (load), which can be interpreted as the smuggling of drugs.

The latter part of the song includes a series of numbers, which could be code for communication within the drug trade. These numbers might represent different ranks or code names for members of the organization. The lyrics also mention various locations in Mexico, each associated with different aspects of the drug trade or Beltrán's personal life, such as his birthplace Badiraguato, which is known for being the cradle of several drug lords. The song ends with a message of camaraderie and a promise to reconvene, which reflects the close-knit nature of the community within the cartel.