Ilegal Lyrics in English by Grupo Recluta
Aferra comes from the verb aferrarse, meaning to cling, hold on tightly, or stubbornly stick to something. It's a strong verb that conveys determination and resilience.
In the context of this song, it's used to describe the unwavering spirit of a Mexican immigrant: "Como todo mexicano que se aferra" (Like every Mexican who holds on tightly/persists). It beautifully captures the struggle and perseverance of someone chasing a dream despite immense hardship.
Get ready to hear a powerful story in Grupo Recluta's "Ilegal"! This song takes us on a journey with someone who leaves everything behind for a better life. It opens with a classroom roll call, but our main character isn't there, saying, "Yo ya no estoy presente, profesora. Aquí me encuentro, en el desierto con demora" [I am no longer present, teacher. Here I am, in the desert with delay]. It really sets the scene for the tough path ahead.
He talks about the dangerous border crossing, going from twenty people to five, and the coyote saying there are "faltan tres horas" [three hours left]. It's a vivid picture of the struggle. He works hard in the fields, even sleeping in a train car, all for his family back home. He says, "Para el mundo, un ilegal. Para mamá, un niño valiente" [For the world, an illegal. For mom, a brave child], which really hits you. He wants to put his family name, Contreras, high up, showing that the dream is worth all the effort, even if "No llueven billetes" [money doesn't rain] in the North.
