Traditionally, on the night of Sept. 15th, the president of Mexico reenacts the Grito de Dolores (the "cry of Dolores", aka Mr. Hidalgo's rebel yell) from the presidential balcony in Mexico City. Traditionally, today is Mexico's biggest celebration (Cinco de Mayo, you might be surprised to know, is only a bank holiday for us Mexicans). Traditionally, there's all-you-can-eat mole, all-you-can-listen-to Mariachi; fireworks all night, dancing the Mexican zapateado, and lots and lots of tequila and mezcal (preferrably before the zapateado, seeing as quantity is directly proportional to improvement in dancing style).
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| Case in point: these good people have consumed a substantial amount of tequila. Look at those smiles. |
This year, however, celebrations will be muted.
September 15th is the day when us Mexicans do our best to remind ourselves the country is more than the politicians and drug lords that run the country; more than the corruption that rules every aspect of life; that we come from a tradition so rich in culture and diversity that it's produced some of the world's most renowned art — painting, sculpture, cinema, weaving, architecture, ceramics, gastronomy... and, of course, music.
This year, Mexico has more to mourn than to celebrate. Perhaps that is a good thing; perhaps, finally, it is the hour for reckoning. Corruption is rampant in Mexico; more so than ever before. Impunity at all levels is the rule of law. The law itself has become an object of plutocracy... a laughingstock, really. This year it's hard to remember the good stuff. But... how can we save Mexico unless we keep in mind what it is we're saving?
In that spirit, my song for the Battle of the Bands today is a classic of Mexican popular music, one of Mexico's unofficial anthems: El Rey. This is the cantina song par excellence. Every Mexican knows the words (lyrics at the end of the post, along with translation); as a matter of fact, if you don't know the words, you're not Mexican.
First up: the original version by singer/songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez:
The would-be contender is Mexican band Maná, who's single-handedly spread (their version of) Mexican culture way farther, and with way better effectiveness, than the best Mexican diplomats.
I'm really curious to see how the voting turns out for this one, since this face-off is a matter of contention for most Mexicans. I'm hoping that, being that most of this blog's readers are not Mexican, we might get an objective assessment for a change :)
Other awesome battles being fought at the links below — visit them and vote, and join the BoTB fun!
Other awesome battles being fought at the links below — visit them and vote, and join the BoTB fun!
Thanks so much for reading, listening, and voting! I'll post the results next Monday 21st. In the meantime, have an awesome week — and VIVA MEXICO!
El Rey lyrics (English in italics):
Yo sé bien que estoy afuera
I know only too well I'm out
Pero el día que yo me muera
But the day that I die
Sé que tendrás que llorar
I know you're going to cry
(Llorar y llorar...)
(Cry and cry...)
Dirás que no me quisiste
You'll say you didn't love me
Pero vas a estar muy triste
But you're going to be devastated
Y así te vas a quedar
And that's how you're going to stay
Con dinero y sin dinero
With money or without
Hago siempre lo que quiero
I do always as I please
Y mi palabra es la ley!
And my word is law
No tengo trono ni reina
I have no throne or queen
Ni nadie que me comprenda
Or anyone that understands me
Pero sigo siendo el rey
But I'm still the king
Una piedra en el camino
A stone on the path
Me enseñó que mi destino
Taught me that my destiny
Era rodar y rodar
Is to roll and roll
(Rodar y rodar...)
(Roll and roll)
Después me dijo un arriero
Later a laborer told me
Que no hay que llegar primero
That it's not about arriving first
Pero hay que saber llegar
But about knowing how to arrive
Con dinero y sin dinero
With money or without
Hago siempre lo que quiero
I do always as I please
Y mi palabra es la ley!
And my word is law
No tengo trono ni reina
I have no throne or queen
Ni nadie que me comprenda
Or anyone that understands me
Pero sigo siendo el rey
But I'm still the king
Here are my thoughts on this quandary: It is a bit hard to judge them because it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges. A song recorded in a studio versus the live performance. They are just so darn different. Even Mana's studio recording would sound very different than this live one. You could do this again with Mana studio vs Mana live. It's that big of a gap.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if my dad were alive I KNOW he'd pick the first one. Younger people are far more likely to choose the screaming guitars in the second one. So, we also have a bit of an age gap going on here (to my way of thinking).
I rather liked the simplicity of the original. It sounded very traditional. So dad and I will vote Jose Alfredo as king;)
"Apples and oranges"... You're so right, Robin — and I'm pretty sure you'd find substantial support for that in Mexico :) I forgot to mention that Maná doesn't have a studio version of this song... They've only recorded it live, as far as I know. The cumbia - slash - rock rhythm they use has been both hailed and criticized, but I think that's precisely what makes it a contender for the original (or any other mariachi version, for that matter). Thanks so much for giving these a listen! Your (and your dad's) vote for José Alfredo has been recorded :)
DeleteGuilie,
ReplyDeleteI loved this - so much fun singing along. I did the traditional and laughed a lot, but the live rock was even better. As a matter of fact, I'm going to copy the band's link so I can play this again. Actually this song will be in my head all night long! So much fun. Thank you (smile).
My vote is for Mana!
Dixie - I posted a battle, and hope you can stop by (smile).
One vote for Maná! Dixie, I'm so glad you enjoyed this — and thrilled you'll be playing it again! Every time someone outside Mexico plays this, a Mexican drug lord dies :D (Seriously, I love you loved it.) Off to check out your battle now!
DeleteI lived in a neighborhood in Chicago that had a significant Mexican population, and enjoy listening to the mariachi-backed singers, so I really enjoyed José Alfredo Jiménez's version of this song. But, man, Maná really got the crowd into it, didn't they? They win this one for me.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha... John, there's nothing like listening to this song live, whether it's a small-town mariachi band or the most professional of performers, but a stadium full of Mexicans has got to top the cake :) Another vote for Maná!
DeleteMexico has such riches in art and architecture but it is a shame how much corruption does go on. I love these lyrics and I feel the simplicity of the folk ballad lends itself more to those lyrics. I go for the original-Jose Alfredo Jimenez gets my vote. The other one is too much rock and loses the effect of what the lyrics mean-to me at least
ReplyDeleteGood point, Birgit... You're right, the folk feel suits the lyrics perfectly. Another vote for The (Mexican) King! ;)
DeleteIt sure is sad what's going on in Mexico, these days. Somewhat similar to the situation in Italy, at least as far as the corruption goes.
ReplyDeleteI've heard the original version of this song before and liked it but this old (older than Robin ;) ) rock chick has to go with Maná. Awesome performance!
Comparison with Italy is exactly right, Debbie—down to the Mafia controlling everything, all the way up to the highest echelons of power. We need a Clean Hands operation desperately!
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed the rock feel of Maná... Although they're primarily a pop group, once in a while they get their rock groove on, and I'm happy it worked for you :) Another vote for the Guadalajara kids!
GUILIE ~
ReplyDeleteThis was an original idea. Kudos!
I listened to both recordings twice each (just to make sure I had it right the first time... and I did).
José Alfredo Jiménez gets my vote. I loved his enthusiasm.
Maná was NOT more enthusiastic. They were just louder. Some people get fooled by that.
In fact, Maná is not even a particularly talented band, and certainly not original. Everything they played had been played a million times before them, and the guitar riffs were mostly recycled "Chuck Berry" (a fabulous original) with additional feedback and a little Van Halen-esque tapping thrown in at the end. Again, nuttin' new. Hell, "Marty McFly" was about as good on guitar in 'Back To The Future'. Ha!
Loved the concept, and I vote LOUDLY & ENTHUSIASTICALLY for JOSE.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Stephen, you've no idea the good it's done my soul to hear your opinion on this. "Maná is not even a particularly talented band"—Yes! "Everything they played has been played a million times before"—YES! "Marty McFly was about as good on guitar"—YES YES YEEEEES! (Loudly and enthusiastically, hahaha.) I'm beyond grateful for this, Stephen. Way, way beyond.
DeleteI like Jose's version the best, though I may like Mana as a band better.
ReplyDeleteGot you down for José Alfredo, Mike :) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteUnique and interesting choices this morning. The traditional against an updated rock version. I can imagine the controversy this causes in Mexico, Mana's rock version sure was fun, but I think I go traditional. Give my vote to Jimenez.
ReplyDeleteCool, FAE! Yes, the controversy is sharp... Although I have to admit it takes courage to give a radical makeover to such a traditional, and traditionally accepted, song. Your vote is recorded for José Alfredo :)
DeleteThough I like the second version of the song, I think the first captures the true essence of the song. The second version, I think, gets lost in all the glitz and glam.
ReplyDeleteGive my vote to Jose
"gets lost in all the glitz and glam" — I like that, Jeffrey :D Another vote for José Alfredo, and thanks for the visit!
DeleteI really dig the lyrics of this song! Lots of meaning chocked in there, seriously. I'm glad you posted the translation haha
ReplyDeleteSo, José Alfredo Jiménez sounds like what I'd hear in a Mexican restaurant here. Or blaring at a stop light. I'm not entirely fond of the traditional Mexican music, but I give it credit where it's due. Good song.
I just prefer the sound of Maná. Being all modern and such, I guess.
- Madilyn Quinn @ NovelBrews
I'm not sure even Mexicans are "fond" of traditional Mexican music, Madilyn... I don't know anyone (except the odd, and much older, taxi driver) that listens to mariachi on a regular, non-stop basis... Part of the problem, I think, is that it all sounds pretty much the same, so after 3 or 5 songs your neurons (well, mine at least) clamor for a bit of variety :D So music like José Alfredo's is relegated to special occasions: Sept 15, midnight on New Year's Eve, a quick break at a birthday or anniversary party, stuff like that. I guess the reason (some) people like the Maná version is precisely because it makes this music more "listenable", if that makes any sense—and I'm sure tender ears that dislike the loudness would disagree, haha. Another vote for Maná!
DeleteHi Guilie - it is such a pity that greed and corruption are messing up Mexico - let's hope it all gets sorted ... but the people will remember and give it life ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteLet's hope so, Hilary — and thanks for the visit!
DeleteAn error occurred in the Jiminez playing halfway through so although I heard only 1/2 I enjoyed it very much! More than the Manà one! Call me old-fashioned but the original was more real! Jiminez gets my vote! Thank you for the words too -
ReplyDeleteHere in South Africa corruption is the name of the game .. and so sorry to hear the same in Mexico.
At some level I suppose corruption is the name of the human game, isn't it? It seems to come so naturally to us. Still, even if it's part of our nature, I do believe we should strive for, if not its total eradication, at least a measure of control. That is, after all, what a legal system is for, nie?
DeleteThanks for the vote for José Alfredo, and so sorry about the error in the video... There are tons of recordings of his on YouTube, so with a simple search you'll find a whole bunch of them if you want to listen to the second half :) I'm glad, though, that with just 1/2 he won you over, hehe.
Mana is awesome! Like listening to an American rock band. I'm a Ramstein fan too, thanks to my kids. I could listen to Mana and not need to understand the words.
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone is proud of their heritage, the struggles and triumphs of their country. It is good to remember that a country is not just its current politics or flaws. The way to change things is not by moving out and bad-mouthing the country that allows you to stay: the way to change your country's politics is from within. The people must voice their displeasure, and their solutions. Just as America fought for its independence from Great Britain, Mexico made a stand against Spain. Today's cultures need to remember their roots!
I loved the song in both versions. But as a traditionalist, knowing the meaning behind song, I'm voting for Jiminez. He includes all the vibrant musical heritage of Mexico. Listening to Mana play El Rey is like listening to Jimi Hendrex play Star Spangled Banner: awesome, but does not embody the tradition.
Cool Battle Guilie. Glad you shared some of your culture with us today.
"Like listening to Jimi Hendrix play Star-Spangled Banner"—loved the comparison, Dolorah. Yep, I agree ;) Thanks for the visit! (And another vote for José Alfredo!)
DeleteSorry I missed your post!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this song before so I guess I'm not Mexican though some have thought I was. I hear the merits of the first traditional version, but as a long time fan of Mana I have to cast my vote for them. I like the rock version a lot.
The next battle that I have scheduled is another popular Mexican song with a long history.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hi Lee! Glad you made it over before the voting closed! I think I knew which way you'd vote, and Maná is sure grateful for your loyalty :) Oooohhh, I'll be looking forward to the next battle at your place then! Thanks for the visit :)
DeleteWhy Guilie, I didn't know until now, perhaps I forgot, that you're from Mexico. *smack forehead* The first choice reminds me of the kind of music I hear in a Mexican restaurant and I love that traditional sound, but I the rocker girl in me totally liked the second one better. Please give my vote to Maná! Now, if you haven't voted in my BOTB round, then you still have time to cast yours now!
ReplyDeleteHahahahahaha... Yep, full-blooded Mexican, born and raised :D Though for the past decade I've been living in Curaçao, and I do miss Mexico, but I love this island, too... and I'm not sure I could go back. Not just because of the criminality, etc.; I've never had a bad experience with that in Mexico. My Dutch partner loves it, and feels safe enough there that we visit every year or so. You hit it on the head, Cathy: the Maná version has made what was music for a quite specific audience appealing to a much broader one, and that is undisputedly a good thing :) Thanks for the visit!
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