El Mochomo Lyrics in English by Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
Mochomo literally translates to "leafcutter ant," a type of ant known for its industriousness and sometimes its destructive nature to crops.
In the context of this narcocorrido, "El Mochomo" is a nickname for Alfredo Beltrán Leyva, a notorious drug lord. The song uses this nickname to refer to him, hinting at his powerful and perhaps disruptive presence in the criminal underworld. It's an interesting example of how animal names can be used as aliases with deeper, often symbolic, meanings in Mexican culture.
This song, "El Mochomo," tells a story of betrayal and a high-stakes capture. It opens with the line "Venían cazando al mochomo" [They were hunting El Mochomo], immediately setting a tense scene. The lyrics suggest that the authorities weren't truly trying to catch him at first, but rather playing a game, as they "Ya sabían donde estaba" [already knew where he was]. It seems they used a trick, "Se valieron puro cuento / Para poderlo apresar" [They used pure stories / To be able to arrest him].
The song then shifts to a more personal moment, with a brother warning, "No te vayas alfredito / Así le dijo el carnal" [Don't go, Alfredito / That's what his brother told him], indicating a close bond and a sense of impending danger. The mention of "La defensa nacional" [the national defense] shows the seriousness of the situation. Alfredo Beltrán, with a calm gaze, tells a federal agent, "Acuérdese comandante / Cuando me iva a vesitar" [Remember, commander / When you used to visit me], which implies a past relationship or understanding that has now been broken. The song ends with Alfredo saying goodbye to his friends and looking forward to seeing them "en la palma cuando salga del penal" [in La Palma when I get out of prison], suggesting a hope for release and a return to his roots in the Sierra de Sinaloa.
