¡Ay, Tenochtitlan! Lyrics in English Seguridad Social

Below, I translated the lyrics of the song ¡Ay, Tenochtitlan! by Seguridad Social from Spanish to English.
These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!
This is a story
Like so many others
that a grandfather told
his grandson in the city of Tenochtitlán
We were a people
dedicated to work
It's not that we were perfect
But we lived in peace
Nature taught us how to live
We felt like brothers
ready to share the corn ration
Yes, yes, the corn ration
And some men arrived
like in our ancient times
and we thought that they were gods
that came to help
They treated us like dogs
with the excuse of teaching
They almost wiped us out
the ones who came from the sea
Oh Tenochtitlán
Oh, oh
Oh Tenochtitlán
Your mother couldn't
resist the cruelty
of some men whose instinct
no animal ever had
Your father fought
and ended up covered in blood
and your grandmother, my wife
fell into cowardly hands
There's misery and there's hunger
Yes, yes
There's misery and hunger
Come on
And some men arrived
like in our ancient times
and we thought that they were gods
that came to help
They treated us like dogs
with the excuse of teaching
They almost wiped us out
the ones who came from the sea
Oh Tenochtitlán
Oh, oh
Oh Tenochtitlán
This is a story
stuck like a thorn
that a grandfather told
to his grandson in the ruins of Tenochtitlán
Yes, yes, of Tenochtitlán
Oh Tenochtitlán
Oh, oh
Oh Tenochtitlán
Tenochtitlán
Tenochtitlán, Tenochtitlán
Today it's Mexico
Federal District
Tenochtitlán, Tenochtitlán
Tenochtitlán, Tenochtitlán
Oh Tenochtitlán
Oh, oh
Oh Tenochtitlán
Oh Tenochtitlán
Oh, oh
Did you like these lyrics?
SONG MEANING

¡Ay, Tenochtitlan! is a fiery history lesson packed into three quick minutes of Spanish rock power. Through the voice of a grandfather speaking to his grandson, Seguridad Social transports us to Tenochtitlan – the flourishing Aztec capital that once stood where Mexico City now rises. The elders recall a society that, while not perfect, lived in harmony with nature and shared its precious maíz. Everything shatters when strange men sail in from the sea. Mistaken for gods, these newcomers unleash cruelty, hunger, and bloodshed, nearly wiping the people out. Each chorus cry of “Ay, Tenochtitlan” echoes the heartbreak of a civilization betrayed.

More than a lament, the song is a rallying call to remember and resist. By contrasting past glory with present-day ruins, Seguridad Social urges listeners to confront colonial injustice, honor indigenous resilience, and keep cultural memory alive. It is a rocking reminder that beneath the concrete of modern Mexico City still beats the proud heart of Tenochtitlan.

Did you know?
In addition to reading lyric translations, you can now learn Spanish with music and lyrics from your favorite artists.
Yes, including ¡Ay, Tenochtitlan! by Seguridad Social!
No more boring lessons. You can now learn with engaging and culturally relevant lyrics from the best artists.
LEARN SPANISH WITH ¡AY, TENOCHTITLAN! BY SEGURIDAD SOCIAL
Learn Spanish with music with 7259 lyric translations from various artists including Seguridad Social
Get our free guide to learn Spanish with music!
Join 54805 learners. Unsubscribe any time.
Sign up with Google
Sign up with Google
Learn Spanish with lessons based on this song!
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
Apple and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.