Song meaning of El Alazán y el Rosillo by Vicente Fernández

The song "El Alazán y el Rosillo" by Vicente Fernández tells the story of a horse race that takes place on March 19 in San Fernando. The song portrays the contrast between two horses: El Rosillo, representing the poor, and El Alazán, representing the rich.

The lyrics highlight the excitement and anticipation surrounding the race, with people from different towns gathering to watch. The people from Bamopa boast about their wealth and bet a significant amount of money on El Alazán, confident in his speed. On the other hand, the people from Mocorito, who are not as well-off, express a more realistic outlook, admitting that they have limited resources, such as oxen and cows.

The lyrics also focus on the jockey riding El Rosillo, referring to him as the "green devil" and emphasizing his importance in winning the race. The jockey recognizes the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders, stating that if he loses the race, he will quit being a jockey.

As the race begins, El Rosillo falls behind early on, disappointing those who placed their bets on him. The character of "Chona" Guzman laments her lost bet of twenty reales, indicating that even though it may not seem like a significant amount, it is valuable to her. In the end, El Rosillo is taken back to the mountains, while El Alazán is ridiculed and told to "go steal from his own land."

The song's message can be interpreted as a commentary on social inequality and the divide between the rich and the poor. It portrays the unfair advantage that the wealthy have, as they can afford to invest large sums of money in their pursuits, while the poorer members of society have to rely on limited resources. Additionally, the song highlights the determination and resilience of the less fortunate, as El Rosillo's performance and the reaction of the people from Mocorito show that they are not defeated by their disadvantaged circumstances.  Overall, the lyrics convey a message of social commentary and depict the realities and struggles faced by different social classes in a horse race setting.