Zopilotes Lyrics in English by Café Tacvba

Zopilotes translates to "vultures" and is the title of the song. It's an unusual and striking word that immediately grabs attention because it's not commonly found in song lyrics.

In the context of the song, the zopilotes are drawn to a mysterious crash site, expecting to feast on ordinary carrion. However, they encounter something entirely unexpected and alien, leading to a fascinating narrative about curiosity, fear, and the unknown. The word sets a dark, intriguing, and slightly surreal tone for the entire song.

Café Tacvba takes us on a wild ride with "Zopilotes"! This song starts with something falling from the sky, a "bola de metal y fuego" [ball of metal and fire], which lands on a hill, becoming "carne para carroñeros" [meat for scavengers]. The vultures, or zopilotes, gather, circling the "sitio fatal" [fatal site], ready to feast on death.

But here's where it gets really interesting! The bodies aren't human, and the vultures are surprised, even a bit scared. "Nadie se atreve el primero a probar" [No one dares to be the first to taste]. One wise vulture says, "Ay lo desconocido, yo me voy" [Oh, the unknown, I'm leaving], and most follow. But one brave zopilote stays, not fearing the difference, but venerating it. This curious bird pecks at the strange meat, which has a "sabor especial" [special flavor], and starts to wonder, "Allá en las estrellas que más habrá" [What else will there be out in the stars]? It's a fantastic story about curiosity, the unknown, and maybe even the origins of something new, all from the perspective of a very adventurous vulture!