El Rey

José Alfredo Jiménez

About El Rey

"El Rey" (English: "The King") is a 1971 song by José Alfredo Jiménez. It is one of his best known songs and a Latin Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipient. A chart published by Record World credited "El Rey" as reaching #1 in Mexico in 1974, a year after Jiménez' death. The song has been recorded by several artists including Vicente Fernández whose version peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.


Year:
2001
43 
#1

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Yo se bien que estoy afuera 
pero el día que yo me muera 
se que tendrás que llorar 
(Llorar y llorar 
llorar y llorar) 

Diras que no me quisiste 
pero vas a estar muy triste 
y así te vas a quedar

Con dinero y sin dinero 
hago siempre lo que quiero 
y mi palabra es la ley
No tengo trono ni reina 
ni nadie que me comprenda 
pero sigo siendo el rey 

(Si señor, dale Jose Alfredo 
cántale con ganas a tus paisanos 
aha ay) 

Una piedra del camino 
me enseño que mi destino 
era rodar y rodar 
(Rodar y rodar 
rodar y rodar) 
Después me dijo un arriero 
que no hay que llegar primero 
pero hay que saber llegar

Con dinero y sin dinero 
hago siempre lo que quiero 
y mi palabra es la ley 
No tengo trono ni reina 
ni nadie que me comprenda 
pero sigo siendo el rey

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José Alfredo Jiménez

José Alfredo Jiménez (January 19, 1926 in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato – November 23, 1973 in Mexico City, Mexico) was a Mexican singer-songwriter in the ranchera style whose songs are considered an integral part of Mexico's musical heritage. more »

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11 facts about this song

Origin
"El Rey" is a classic mariachi song written and performed by renowned Mexican singer-songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez.
Recreation
The song is also famously covered by another legendary Mexican artist, Vicente Fernández, who while honoring the original composition, brought his own unique style to the track.
Lyrics Significance
The lyrics of "El Rey" are an allegory for existentialist philosophy, portraying life as a journey in which the individual remains defiant and unbroken despite various setbacks.
Cultural Influence
Due to its profound lyrics and memorable melody, "El Rey" has become an anthem of Mexican culture and is a favorite in mariachi performances.
Recognition
"El Rey" is one of José Alfredo Jiménez's most recognized and celebrated compositions, showcasing his deep understanding of Mexican folk music.
Use in Media
The song has been used extensively in film and television to evoke Mexican identity and heritage.
Timeless
Despite being written in the mid-20th century, "El Rey" is still popular today, often being performed at celebrations and special occasions.
International Reach
Both Jiménez's and Fernández's versions of "El Rey" have reached significant popularity internationally, further expanding the influence of Mexican culture and music.
Awards
While José Alfredo Jiménez was posthumously inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1998, Vicente Fernández has won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards. Both artists are celebrated for their contributions, with songs like "El Rey" being essential parts of their legacies.
Immortalized
In recognition of its cultural importance, "El Rey" and José Alfredo Jiménez's other works were immortalized at Mexico City's Plaza Garibaldi, the meeting point of the country's traditional mariachi musicians.
Cover Versions
Beyond Jiménez and Fernández, "El Rey" has been covered by various other artists over the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence.

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