El Corrido de los Pérez
Los Huracanes del Norte
The Ballad of Bravery and Tragedy: El Corrido de los Pérez
The song "El Corrido de los Pérez" by Los Huracanes del Norte is a narrative ballad that tells the tragic story of the Pérez family. Corridos are a traditional Mexican music genre that often recount tales of heroism, oppression, and revolutionary figures. This particular corrido speaks of an event that took place in 1911, where two brothers and their cousin were killed.
The lyrics describe the circumstances of their deaths, emphasizing the betrayal and cowardice involved in the incident. The mention of the date and time of Don Mariano Pérez's death suggests a detailed account of the event, which is characteristic of corridos as they serve as a form of oral history. The song also highlights the bravery of Gabino Pérez, who, despite the ambush, declares his willingness to die with honor rather than flee. The imagery of the four directions in which the Pérez men fell, likened to a cross, adds a poignant and symbolic touch to the narrative.
The corrido serves not only as a remembrance of the Pérez family but also as a cultural expression of the values of courage, loyalty, and the fight against injustice. It's a musical form that preserves the memory of those who might otherwise be forgotten and serves as a testament to the struggles faced by many during turbulent times in Mexican history.