Somos Más Americanos
Los Tigres del Norte
The Resilient Spirit of 'Somos Más Americanos'
The song 'Somos Más Americanos' by Los Tigres del Norte is a powerful anthem that addresses the themes of identity, immigration, and historical injustice. The lyrics convey a strong message about the experience of Mexican Americans and the broader Latino community in the United States, particularly in relation to the border and the concept of being an 'American'.
The opening lines introduce the listener to the singer's frustration with being told to 'go back' to their own country, despite the fact that the border has shifted over time due to historical events, such as the Mexican-American War. The song emphasizes that the territories now part of the U.S. were once Mexican land, and therefore, the people from those regions are not 'invaders' but rather part of the land's original fabric. The chorus, 'Somos más americanos', which translates to 'We are more American', asserts the idea that the people of Mexican and indigenous descent are deeply rooted in the Americas, perhaps even more so than those of Anglo-Saxon descent.
The song also touches on the contributions of Latino people to the United States, highlighting their hard work and diverse backgrounds. It challenges the notion of what it means to be 'American' and calls for recognition of the historical and cultural ties that many Latinos have to the land. Los Tigres del Norte, known for their norteño music that often tells stories of the struggles and triumphs of Mexican immigrants, use their platform to give voice to these important issues, resonating with many who share similar experiences and histories.