Batallar means 'to struggle' or 'to battle'. It's a powerful verb that conveys effort, perseverance, and facing challenges head-on.
In the context of "DEL Negociante," the lyrics state, "En la vida se tiene que batallar" (In life, one has to struggle/battle). This line encapsulates a core theme of the song: the journey of overcoming adversity and working hard to achieve success, reflecting the life of a 'negociante' (businessman) who has faced tough times to reach his current position. It's a relatable and inspiring word that resonates with the human experience.
A corrido is usually a portrait of someone, and this one is a self-portrait. The narrator is Ángel Del Villar, and he opens by answering his critics head on: people call him conceited and arrogant, and they cannot stand watching him move forward. His reply is not a denial. He is honest, he is at a hundred percent with his friends, he asks his favours of San Judas, he took the advice he wanted to take and followed his father's example. He also warns, quite calmly, that if anyone goes looking for trouble they will find it.
The second half is where the swagger turns into something warmer. His real fortune, he says, is his children and his parents, and he sends an embrace to all his carnales. He has not forgotten the poverty he left behind in Zacatecas. The tattoos, the gold-plated juguete, the DEL inked on his neck all make the same argument: remember where you came from, take your risks, and expect to fight for it. He closes by asking for the song to be played in memory of Ariel.
José Ariel Camacho Barraza (July 8, 1992 – February 25, 2015), known as Ariel Camacho, was a talented Mexican musician, singer, and songwriter from Guamúchil, Sinaloa. He rose to fame as the lead singer and guitarist of Los Plebes del Rancho, captivating fans with his expressive twelve-string guitar playing and authentic regional Mexican sound.
Nicknamed "La Tuyía" and "El Rey de Corazones," Camacho's music blended traditional corridos with heartfelt lyrics and vivid storytelling. Despite his brief career, his influence on the regional Mexican genre has been profound, inspiring many young artists. Tragically, Ariel passed away in a car accident at just 22 years old, but his legacy continues through the enduring popularity of his songs and tribute albums honoring his unique style and talent.