Corrido de Durango
Miguel Aceves Mejía
Ballad of a Bandit: The Story Behind 'Corrido de Durango'
The song 'Corrido de Durango' performed by Miguel Aceves Mejía is a traditional Mexican ballad that narrates the tale of a bandit from Durango, Mexico. Corridos are a popular narrative song genre in Mexico that often tell stories of heroes, bandits, and significant historical events. The lyrics of this song follow the journey of a bandit who begins his criminal career in Durango and becomes notorious for his ability to evade capture after each crime.
As the bandit moves through La Laguna and other regions, he is pursued relentlessly. The song then shifts to mention Francisco Villa, better known as Pancho Villa, a prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution. Villa is depicted as fearless and defiant, rallying his forces with cries that honor Francisco I. Madero and denounce Pascual Orozco, both of whom were influential in the revolution. The reference to Villa situates the bandit's story within a larger historical context, highlighting the tumultuous times of the Mexican Revolution and the folk heroes that emerged from it.
The song concludes with a farewell, as the narrator finishes recounting the 'Corrido de Durango' under the shade of a peach tree. This ending is typical of corridos, which often close with the singer bidding farewell to the audience. The song serves not only as entertainment but also as a cultural artifact that preserves the memory of historical figures and events, reflecting the values and struggles of the Mexican people during the revolution.