El Toro Viejo

Chuy Lizarraga's song "El Toro Viejo" is a vibrant and lively depiction of traditional Mexican cowboy culture, known as charreada. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a caporal, or foreman, who is inebriated yet still commands respect and authority over the vaqueros, or cowboys. The repeated commands and responses in the song, such as "Lázalo, ya lo alazé" (Lasso it, I already lassoed it) and "Túmbalo, ya lo tumbé" (Knock it down, I already knocked it down), emphasize the skill and coordination required in handling a bull, a central figure in this cultural practice.

The song also highlights the bravery and camaraderie among the cowboys as they work together to manage the bull. The caporal's shouts and the cowboys' responses create a rhythmic and almost dance-like sequence, reflecting the choreography involved in charreada events. The mention of the bull's color and lineage, "La vaca era colorada y el becerrito era moro" (The cow was red and the calf was dark), adds a layer of storytelling, suggesting a deep connection to the animals and the land.

Furthermore, the song's playful tone and the caporal's drunken state introduce a sense of humor and lightheartedness, which is often present in traditional Mexican music. The lyrics, "Toma, toma, toma torito toma" (Take it, take it, little bull, take it), and the reference to the bull jumping over barriers for saltpeter, add a whimsical element to the narrative. This blend of humor, tradition, and skill encapsulates the essence of charreada, celebrating the strength and resilience of both the cowboys and the bulls they master.