Good Morning Aztlan

Los Lobos' song 'Good Morning Aztlan' is a vivid and affectionate portrayal of a community that is rich in culture, tradition, and everyday life. The lyrics paint a picture of a neighborhood where life is bustling with activity and where every small detail contributes to the larger tapestry of the community. The song opens with the image of a young girl looking at her makeup in the mirror, a tattoo heart with an arrow through the middle, and a sharp-dressed man playing the fiddle. These snapshots of life create a sense of familiarity and warmth, evoking the essence of home.

The recurring line, 'I gotta say one, two, three more things before I go on,' suggests a deep connection to the place and its people, as if the singer is reluctant to leave and wants to capture every moment. The chorus, 'You can't run and try to hide away, here it comes, here comes another day,' reflects the inevitability of time and the continuous cycle of life in this vibrant community. The mention of a red rooster crowing and somebody's daddy honking the horn adds to the sense of a lively, interconnected neighborhood where everyone plays a part.

The song's title, 'Good Morning Aztlan,' is a nod to the mythical ancestral home of the Aztec people, symbolizing a return to roots and a celebration of cultural heritage. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and belonging, emphasizing that no matter where one goes, they are never far from home. The final lines, 'There's a big fat heart with an arrow through the middle of this place that I call home,' encapsulate the deep emotional connection to the community, highlighting the importance of having a place to call one's own. Los Lobos' musical style, which blends rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music, further enriches the song's cultural resonance, making 'Good Morning Aztlan' a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of home and community.