El Gavilan Pollero

Pedro Infante's 'El Gavilan Pollero' is a song that, on the surface, appears to tell a simple story about a hawk (gavilán) that has taken away the singer's favorite hen (polla). However, the lyrics are often interpreted as a metaphor for a man who has lost his beloved woman to another, more predatory man. The repetition of the phrase 'Se llevó mi polla el gávilan pollero' emphasizes the sense of loss and desperation felt by the singer. The hawk in this context represents a cunning individual who has swooped in and taken away something precious from the protagonist.

The request for another drink from the bartender ('cantinero') suggests that the singer is trying to drown his sorrows in alcohol, a common theme in many traditional songs that deal with heartache and loss. The offer to give away the entire chicken coop ('gallinero') if only the hawk would return his beloved hen further illustrates the depth of the singer's attachment and the lengths to which he would go to recover what he has lost.

Pedro Infante was a beloved Mexican actor and singer, known for his roles in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema as well as his ranchera music. 'El Gavilan Pollero' is a classic example of the ranchera genre, which often features themes of love, patriotism, and nature. Infante's emotive performance and the traditional Mexican musical arrangement contribute to the song's enduring popularity and its resonance with themes of love and loss that are universal.