Doce Gallinas Y Un Gallo

Valentín Elizalde's song 'Doce Gallinas Y Un Gallo' is a playful and satirical commentary on community dynamics and gender roles. The repeated imagery of 'doce gallinas y un gallo' (twelve hens and one rooster) serves as a metaphor for the traditional gender roles where one male is surrounded by multiple females, suggesting a harmonious yet stereotypical balance. This metaphor is used to critique societal expectations, implying that women should be as compliant with men as the hens are with the rooster.

The song also introduces various characters from the neighborhood, each with their own quirks and stories. For instance, 'doña bacha' is mentioned as someone who traded something valuable for a mere kilo of an unspecified item, hinting at the absurdity and perhaps the desperation in some of the choices people make. This character adds a layer of humor and critique to the narrative, showcasing the eccentricities within the community.

Further, the song touches on the economic interactions within the community, highlighting how a neighbor with a butcher shop and another with a bakery have different policies for married and single men. This distinction underscores the social norms and expectations placed on individuals based on their marital status. The mention of 'doña juana' being taken to jail for selling marijuana adds a touch of scandal and rebellion, reflecting the undercurrents of non-conformity and the consequences that follow.

Elizalde's musical style, often rooted in regional Mexican music, uses humor and everyday scenarios to provide social commentary. The song ends on a light note, reiterating the initial metaphor and leaving listeners with a sense of the cyclical nature of these societal roles and interactions.