Department of Musicology

This paper seeks to explore how the corridos of Los Tigres Del Norte, specifically discussing experiences regarding immigration aid in bringing these issues and stories to a larger audience and in turn helps foster unity and solidarity within the Latin American community. The group’s own experience as undocumented immigrants has shaped their dedication and willingness to highlight the stories of their audience, many of whom can relate closely to the experiences and events recounted in their songs. While analyzing these songs, it is important to be aware of the significant differences between corridos and narcocorridos. Although both forms share similar instrumentation, musical form, and have evolved alongside one another, both consider very different subject matter. Narcocorridos tell stories regarding the narco lifestyle while corridos can present a variety of themes such as love, religion, politics, and discrimination to name a few. Through lyrical analysis of “La Jaula De Oro,” “Tres Veces Mojado,” and “Somos Más Americanos,” and research into immigration history between the United States and Latin America, this study demonstrates how traumatic struggles are brought to light in these songs and argue that these corridos, among many others, can be tools for change, foster a collective identity, and promote unity amongst immigrant communities.