Among their greatest hits -after their Three Souls era- "Triste Cancion" (based on Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane"), "Metro Balderas" (originally by Rodrigo Gonzalez), and "Piedras Rodantes" are probably the most known and have the quality of Anthems. Favorite bluesy songs such as "Oye Cantinero" and "ADO" belong to their Three Souls era, but are included in compilations and newer versions (from live concert recordings) abound.
Mente Rockera
El Tri Lyrics
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Quiero sentirme orgullosa de mi hijo,
Quiero que seas arquitecto o doctor, o quizas llegues a senador.
Mi mente dijo que no,
Mi cuerpo dijo que no,
Mi sangre dijo que no
Why aqui me tienes en el Rock and Roll.
Cuando en la escuela comenze a ir mal,
Mi Jefe me mando llamar,
Queria pelarme como militar,
Y ponerme a trabajar.
Mi mente dijo que no,
Mi cuerpo dijo que no,
Mi sangre dijo que no
Y aqui me tienes en el Rock and Roll.
Y ya hare poco mi Jefa me dijo
No aflojes en tu chamba mi hijo,
Why si lo tuyo es el Rock and Roll,
Pues dale duro y que te bendiga Dios.
Mi mente dijo que si,
Mi cuerpo dijo que si,
Mi sangre dijo que si,
Y aqui me tienes en el Rock and Roll.
The song "Mente Rockera" by El Tri depicts the struggle of a musician pursuing their dreams, despite the pressure and expectations of their parents. The lyrics speak to the conflict between following conventional paths of success, such as becoming a doctor or senator, versus pursuing a passion for rock and roll. The singer's mother wants her child to be successful in the traditional sense but the singer's mind, body, and blood resist conforming to societal norms.
The lyrics suggest that despite the parental pressure to excel in school, serve in the military or join the workforce, the desire to pursue music supersedes all. The repeated refrain of "Mi mente dijo que no, Mi cuerpo dijo que no, Mi sangre dijo que no, Y aquí me tienes en el Rock and Roll" emphasizes the resolve and determination of the artist to pursue their passion even in the face of disapproval.
Overall, "Mente Rockera" showcases the internal battle between conformity and individualism, and the triumph of the latter.
Line by Line Meaning
Cuando era nio, mi Jefa me dijo
When I was a child, my mother told me
Quiero sentirme orgullosa de mi hijo,
I want to feel proud of my son,
Quiero que seas arquitecto o doctor, o quizas llegues a senador.
I want you to be an architect or a doctor, or perhaps become a senator.
Mi mente dijo que no,
My mind told me no,
Mi cuerpo dijo que no,
My body told me no,
Mi sangre dijo que no
My blood told me no
Why aqui me tienes en el Rock and Roll.
And here you have me in Rock and Roll.
Cuando en la escuela comenze a ir mal,
When I began to do bad in school,
Mi Jefe me mando llamar,
My father called me,
Queria pelarme como militar,
He wanted to send me off to military school,
Y ponerme a trabajar.
And put me to work.
Y aqui me tienes en el Rock and Roll.
And here you have me in Rock and Roll.
Y ya hare poco mi Jefa me dijo
And just recently my mother told me
No aflojes en tu chamba mi hijo,
Don't give up on your job, my son,
Why si lo tuyo es el Rock and Roll,
And if you're meant for Rock and Roll,
Pues dale duro y que te bendiga Dios.
Then go for it and may God bless you.
Mi mente dijo que si,
My mind told me yes,
Mi cuerpo dijo que si,
My body told me yes,
Mi sangre dijo que si,
My blood told me yes,
Y aqui me tienes en el Rock and Roll.
And here you have me in Rock and Roll.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALEJANDRO LORA SERNA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind