El Niño de Oro
Los Tucanes de Tijuana
The Ballad of El Niño de Oro: A Tale of Power and Peril
The song "El Niño de Oro" by Los Tucanes de Tijuana is a narrative corrido, a traditional Mexican genre that often tells stories of the drug trade, outlaws, and the complexities of living outside the law. The lyrics recount the story of a man who travels to Colombia to deal with some merchandise but gets kidnapped due to a 30-million-dollar debt left by his deceased brother-in-law. The phrase "Muerto el perro no acaba la rabia" suggests that even with the death of one person, the problems and anger do not go away, which is portrayed as a Colombian way of thinking.
The protagonist refuses to pay the ransom, stating that it's not his problem, but the kidnappers threaten his sister's life. The situation escalates, involving the mobilization of resources to gather the ransom money, which is sent to Texas, indicating the international reach of the criminal organization involved. The man's value to the mafia is highlighted as they consider him a 'golden child' worth a fortune. The involvement of a character named Carrillo, likely a reference to Amado Carrillo Fuentes, a notorious Mexican drug lord, adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the story. Carrillo sends someone to Colombia to deal with the situation, emphasizing the power and reach of the drug cartels.
The song ends with a tense negotiation between Carrillo and the kidnappers, where Carrillo stands firm, threatening a disproportionate retaliation if the man is not released. The phrase "100 por 1 sera nuestro trato" implies that for every harm done to their side, they will retaliate a hundredfold. The story concludes with the implication that the ransom was paid quickly and the problem was resolved, showcasing the influence and financial capabilities of the cartel.