Acribillaron translates to "they riddled with bullets" or "they shot up". It's a strong and impactful verb that immediately conveys a sense of violence and tragedy.
In the context of this corrido, the word describes the brutal killing of Anselmo Vega Villalba, emphasizing the violent nature of his death. It's a word that stands out due to its intensity and directness, making it memorable and central to the song's narrative of revenge and loss.
This song is a corrido, a traditional Mexican ballad that tells a story. In this case, the singer tells the tragic tale of his brother, Anselmo Vega Villalba. The song is a tribute, sung at Anselmo's grave with a Sinaloan band, just as he would have wanted. The lyrics recount how Anselmo was betrayed and murdered in Fresno, California, on May 1st, 1995. He was ambushed by people he thought were his friends, leaving behind a grieving family.
The tone of the song quickly shifts from sorrow to a promise of vengeance. The singer directly addresses his brother's killers, warning them that a reckoning is coming. He vows to seek justice with the principle of "an eye for an eye" (diente por diente), promising that the blood of cowards will be spilled. The song ends with a heartfelt farewell to Anselmo, assuring him that while he was taken from their side, he will never be forgotten.