Corrido de Quirino Navarro

In the Corrido de Quirino Navarro, the protagonist in this corrido has been identified as the mayor of Tepatitlan, Jalisco, who supported the central government. (Tuck, pp. 54, 90-94). He has also been identified as a commander in the federal army, serving under General Jesus Ferreira. (Meyer, p.111; liner notes from The Mexican Revolution). He participated in several battles, defending his city from attacks by the forces of the Unión Popular. (Meyer, p. 111; Tuck, pp. 54, 167-168). This corrido relates the events of a battle that took place at Tepatitlan in April of 1929. In this song Quirino Navarro is presented as a heroic and proud leader who would rather die than to surrender to the Cristeros. "-Primero muerto tirado / que desamparar el punto-." He leads his men bravely and forces the Cristeros out of the city. Of note in this corrido is the verse of many of the formulas mentioned by both Americo Paredes and John McDowell in their many scholarly analyses. Particularly outstanding of these narrative devices are the traditional heroic formula that introduces the protagonist's direct address "Decia Quirino Navarro," the traditional trope of a gun battle, "de agarrarse a los balazos," as well as the classic verse dyads, "Ese Quirino Navarro / les juro parque de acero."
Performed by Trío Los Aguilillas, Lorenzo Sanchez, guitar sexta and voice, Jose Arriaga, contrabass and voice, Guadalupe Cruz, violin. Recorded in Arandas, Jalisco. Folklyric/Arhoolie Records, The Mexican Revolution, Disc IV (CD 7044) Post-Revolutionary Corridos and Narratives.

Quirino Navarro



Señores, tengan presente Lo que les voy a cantar, Se levantaron en armas Los de la Unión Popular. Decía Quirino Navarro Con su valor todo junto: -Primero muerto tirado Que desamparar el punto. Decía Quirino Navarro -Muy listo ese batallón, Muy listo el setenta y cuatro Que ahí vienen los de la Unión. -Padre Señor San Antonio- Gritaba ese general, -Que si te tumbo tu templo Te lo mando reformar. Los de la Unión Popular ¡Ah, qué chasco se han pegado!, Iban corriendo de miedo De ese Quirino Navarro. Ese Quirino Navarro, Hombre de mucho valor, Cinco días duró sitiado Y no cambió de color. Ese Quirino Navarro, Cómo se vio fatigado De ver a Tepatitlán Por todos lados sitiado. Quirino rodeado de armas, De puro parque de acero, Con sus armas en las manos No temía ningún cristero. Ya con ésta me despido, Señores dispensarán, El combate que tuvieron En ese Tepatitlán.	Gentlemen, keep in mind What I'm about to sing: They have risen up in arms, The men of La Unión Popular. Filled with courage Quirino Navarro would say: "I'd rather be laying dead Than abandon my position." Quirino Navarro would say: "Be on guard men, Prepare the 74th battalion, The men of La Unión are on their way." "Our lord, St. Anthony," The general would shout: "If we destroy your church, I'll build it up again." The men of La Unión Popular Sure got a surprise, They ended up running away From Quirino Navarro. That man Quirino Navarro Had lots of courage, Surrounded for five days And he never lost his nerve. That man Quirino Navarro How worn out he was Seeing Tepatitlán Surrounded on all sides. Quirino had plenty of weapons, All steel ammunition, With arms in hand He didn't fear any Cristero. If you permit me, gentlemen, This verse will be my farewell, Such was the battle that took place In the town of Tepatitlán.