El Ayudante

The song 'El Ayudante' by Vicente Fernández delves into the complex emotions of jealousy, infidelity, and the clandestine relationships that sometimes occur outside of marriage. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is aware that the woman he is involved with is married to a jealous husband. The husband, referred to as 'tu galan' (your beau), is possessive and forbids his wife from even speaking to the narrator, let alone maintaining a friendship.

The narrator reveals that he and the woman have shared intimate moments and expressions of love, which the husband may have discovered, leading to his jealousy and resentment. The song's title, 'El Ayudante,' which translates to 'The Assistant,' is metaphorical. The narrator suggests that while the husband may be the main man in the woman's life, he himself plays a significant, albeit hidden, role as the 'assistant' in their relationship. This implies a continued affair and the narrator's acceptance of his secondary position.

The song also touches on the theme of trust within a relationship. The narrator points out that a lack of trust can lead to constant vigilance and insecurity, as exemplified by the husband's behavior. Fernández's portrayal of these emotions is wrapped in the traditional sounds of Mexican ranchera music, which often explores themes of love, betrayal, and machismo.