El Huizache
Valentín Elizalde
The Unyielding Love of 'El Huizache'
Valentín Elizalde's 'El Huizache' is a song that delves into the themes of love, cultural identity, and the inevitability of one's nature. The lyrics speak to a man's earnest plea to his beloved, asking her to accept his love and to consider his feelings seriously. The repeated line 'que culpa tiene el huizache de haber nacido en el llano' translates to 'what fault does the huizache have for being born in the plain,' which serves as a metaphor for the man's own condition and feelings. He cannot help where he comes from or how he feels, much like the huizache tree cannot help where it grows.
The song also touches on the idea of authenticity and staying true to one's roots. The preference for 'huaraches' (traditional Mexican sandals) over 'choclo americano' (American shoes) symbolizes a pride in traditional Mexican culture and a rejection of Americanization. This cultural pride is intertwined with the singer's love, suggesting that his feelings are as natural and unpretentious as his cultural heritage.
Lastly, the mention of the 'virgen de Guadalupe' indicates the depth of the singer's love, as it is so strong that even the Virgin Mary is perceived to have played a role in its theft. This hyperbolic expression emphasizes the sacred and profound nature of his love. Overall, 'El Huizache' is a song that celebrates unapologetic love and cultural identity, using the huizache tree as a symbol for natural, unchangeable truths.