Ta muy malo el corralero
y ahi en el potrero
como viejo está,
hay que ayudarlo a que muera
para que no sufra más.

Siempre fuiste el más certero
y por eso debes su mal aliviar.

¿Cómo pretenden que yo

que lo cuidé de potrillo
clave en su pecho un cuchillo
porque el patrón lo ordenó?.
Dejenló nomás pastar
no rechacen mi consejo,
que yo lo voy a enterrar
cuando se muera de viejo.

Junto al estero del bajo
lo encontré tendido
casi al expirar
me acerqué muy lentamente
y se lo quise explicar
pero al verlo resignado
me tembló la mano
y me puse a llorar...
Tomado de AlbumCancionYLetra.com
¿Cómo pretenden que yo
que lo cuidé de potrillo
clave en su pecho un cuchillo
porque el patrón lo ordenó?.
Dejenló nomás pastar
no rechacen mi consejo,
que yo lo voy a enterrar
cuando se muera de viejo.

Overall Meaning

The song "El Corralero" tells the story of a horse rancher who is witnessing the decline of an old horse, the corralero. The horse is suffering, and the rancher is conflicted between wanting to end the horse's suffering by putting him down and his loyalty to the horse, which he has cared for since it was a foal. The rancher is torn between following the orders of his employer and doing what he believes is best for the horse. The song portrays the rancher as a wise and compassionate man who understands the value of life and the dignity of animals.

The lyrics of the song also reflect on the relationship between human and animal. The rancher sees the corralero as more than just an animal, but as a companion and partner, with whom he has shared a bond for many years. His loyalty to the corralero is tested by the command of his employer, who wants the horse put down. The lyrics reflect a deep human concern for animals and nature, showing that the rancher is not just a rancher but an environmentally conscious person who values life.

Overall, "El Corralero" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that raises questions about the ethics of animal treatment and the role of humans in caring for and protecting animals and nature.

Line by Line Meaning

Ta muy malo el corralero
The horse named corralero is in bad condition

y ahi en el potrero como viejo está
The horse is old and currently in the pasture

hay que ayudarlo a que muera para que no sufra más
It's advisable to put the horse down to stop its suffering

Siempre fuiste el más certero y por eso debes su mal aliviar.
As someone who has always acted decisively, you must end the horse's misery

¿Cómo pretenden que yo que lo cuidé de potrillo clave en su pecho un cuchillo porque el patrón lo ordenó?
How can you expect me, who raised the horse since it was young, to stab it in the heart just because the boss ordered it?

Dejenló nomás pastar no rechacen mi consejo, que yo lo voy a enterrar cuando se muera de viejo.
Let the horse graze and follow my advice, I'll bury it properly when it dies of old age

Junto al estero del bajo lo encontré tendido casi al expirar
I found the horse lying next to the stream, almost close to death

me acerqué muy lentamente y se lo quise explicar pero al verlo resignado me tembló la mano y me puse a llorar...
I approached the horse slowly and tried to explain the situation, but seeing its resignation made me emotional and I started to cry...

Writer(s): Sergio Sauvalle Vergara

Contributed by Zachary L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.