El Sinaloense
Pedro Fernández Lyrics

The song El Sinaloense by Pedro Fernández tells the story of a man from the state of Sinaloa in Mexico. He introduces himself as an arriero (mule driver), hailing from Nabolato (a small town in Sinaloa) and born under an oak tree. He claims to have a way with mules and is able to halt them just by whistling or throwing his sombrero at them. The man is also depicted as a heavy drinker who is always accompanied by a tambora band (a popular Mexican musical ensemble playing regional music) and dancing to the tunes of songs like "quelite," "niño perdido," and "torito." The man, known as "el negro" or simply black, is not interested in, nor is he in a relationship, but is seen as someone with good luck because he is willing to fight against someone without fear.

The song is a tribute to the regional and party music, norteño style prominent among Sinaloans. It tells the story of a typical male figure from Sinaloa, who is skilled with animals, music, and liquor. With a carefree attitude and a love of life and women, the man portrayed in the song is seen as someone who lives for the moment, a representation of the macho Mexican culture, which places great value on traditionally masculine qualities. The song’s lyrics, “Ay, ay, ay, Ay mamá por dios,” are commonly used in Mexican music and are thought to be derived from Spanish folk songs, where they are typically used as a vocalization of lament, pain, or surprise. In El Sinaloense, however, these expressions are used to emphasize the singer's wild and carefree lifestyle.