El plantón

Los Tigres del Norte's song "El plantón" narrates a dramatic episode in the life of Héctor Luis Palma Salazar, also known as El Güero Palma, a notorious figure in the Mexican drug trade. The song begins with El Güero Palma boarding a plane in Jalisco and Nayarit, only to be informed mid-flight that a trap, or 'plantón,' awaited him in Toluca. Despite warnings broadcasted over the radio to avoid landing in Tepic or Guadalajara, El Güero Palma orders the plane to land, resulting in a crash that kills the pilots but spares him.

The narrative continues with El Güero Palma being taken to Guadalajara, severely injured. Once at home, he is apprehended by the police. Despite his reputation for bravery, he does not resist arrest to protect his family. This moment highlights the complex interplay of loyalty and vulnerability in the narco world, where even the most feared individuals have personal ties that can be exploited.

The song also touches on themes of betrayal and retribution. It mentions how many have fallen due to being 'fingered' or betrayed, and warns those who have betrayed El Güero Palma to be cautious, as his loyal companions are still at large and ready to exact revenge. The final verses emphasize the unwavering loyalty of his followers, who are prepared to act on his orders without hesitation. This loyalty and the looming threat of retribution underscore the dangerous and volatile nature of alliances within the drug trade.

"El plantón" is a vivid portrayal of the narco culture, where loyalty, betrayal, and the constant threat of violence shape the lives of those involved. Los Tigres del Norte, known for their corridos that tell the stories of the Mexican underworld, use this song to shed light on the human aspects behind the headlines, making the listener reflect on the personal costs of a life entangled in crime.