El Rezado

The song 'El Rezado' by Banda Jerez, a Mexican band known for their regional music style, tells a story of a mysterious encounter in the early hours of the morning. The narrator describes coming from the neighborhood and hearing something strange from a house. Curiosity leads him to peek through a crack, where he observes a pair of women ('comadres') engaged in what appears to be a ritualistic act. They have lit candles and are praying over a portrait that has been turned upside down and pierced with pins. This scene suggests a practice akin to folk magic or witchcraft, possibly intended to exert influence over the person in the portrait.

The lyrics repeat a conversation between the women, with one asking and the other affirming with a 'yes.' This call-and-response pattern could be part of the ritual, emphasizing the intent and power behind their words. The women invoke 'Animas Almas benditas' (blessed souls) to aid in their endeavor, which involves making someone repent and return to them, presumably a man who has wronged them or left them. They wish for him to work, earn money, and bring it home, indicating a desire for restitution or control over his actions.

The song 'El Rezado' provides a glimpse into the cultural practices that blend religion, superstition, and a desire for personal justice. It reflects the complexities of human relationships and the lengths to which individuals may go to rectify perceived wrongs. The narrative is both intriguing and unsettling, as it opens a window into the private and often hidden world of personal rituals and the belief in their power to change reality.