Volar means "to fly." While it's a common verb, its use in this song is particularly poignant and metaphorical.
The phrase "Aprendiste a volar, pues te vas a volar" (You learned to fly, so you're going to fly) is a powerful declaration of independence and a bittersweet farewell. It implies that the person has gained the ability to leave and is now being told to do so, but not within the singer's "sky." This metaphorical use of flying to represent leaving a relationship makes it a compelling and memorable word in the context of the song.
This song is a classic tale of a love gone wrong, told with a bit of a dramatic flair that only Los Tigres Del Norte can deliver! Our singer is absolutely heartbroken and feeling betrayed. He gave his all to this person, saying, "Yo te di de lo bueno que traía entre mis manos" [I gave you the good things I carried in my hands] and "Te forme un mundo nuevo yo te di de mi pan" [I formed a new world for you, I gave you my bread]. He even took on their burdens, "Me bebí de tus ansias aquel trago maldito" [I drank your anxieties, that cursed drink].
But now, after all that, the person is leaving him, "Y hoy cruzada de brazos me dices que te vas" [And today, with your arms crossed, you tell me you're leaving]. He's not holding onto grudges, just their kisses, "Ni rencores ni nada solamente tus besos Con permiso cariño me los voy a quedar" [No grudges or anything, only your kisses, with permission, darling, I'm going to keep them]. And in a truly fiery moment, he declares he's going to burn all their love letters and poems as soon as he gets home! The main message, repeated with such passion, is "Aprendiste a volar, pues te vas a volar Pero no por mi cielo" [You learned to fly, so go fly, but not through my sky]. He wishes them well, but also warns them that if their flight gets tired, they'll be crying. It's a powerful song about giving everything in a relationship and then having to let go, even if it hurts.
Los Tigres del Norte, hailing from San Jose, California, are legendary pioneers of Pacific Norteño and Norteño-Sax music. Founded in 1965 by Jorge Hernández and his family, this band has sold over 32 million albums and is celebrated for their powerful storytelling through corridos, including politically charged and narcocorridos that depict real-life struggles.
Known as "The Tigers of the North," they have won 7 Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammys, becoming icons in regional Mexican music across the Americas. Their innovative fusion of traditional Mexican sounds with modern rhythms, and their commitment to highlighting immigrant and social issues, have earned them a dedicated fanbase in the United States, Mexico, and beyond. With a career spanning over five decades, Los Tigres del Norte continue to be influential voices in Latin music and culture.