Los Tigres del Norte don't mince words on their new single, “Aquí mando yo” (I'm in Charge Here). The track, which they release on Thursday (May 30) alongside an EP of the same name, talks about the legendary Mexican group's struggles as immigrants, as well as the price of fame, with lyrics that may — or may not — refer to on the current state of Mexican music and its new stars.
“Aquí mando yo, y este colmillo no lo tuve que comprar.” […] Ya veníamos de la tienda cuando tú ibas por el pan (I'm in charge here and I didn't have to pay for this canine […] We were already back from the shop when you came in for bread)” they sing in the chorus.
But the leader of the group and singer Jorge Hernández, who spoke with Advertising sign from his home in California, says the words aren't meant for anyone in particular.
“I saw this issue as the story of so many immigrants coming from their hometowns with nothing. That was my first reaction,” says Hernández. “Then the sentiment elsewhere in the lyrics is that suddenly those of us who tell the truth are judged and those of us who lie are the heroes […] Also suddenly there are people who do not see the roots of the tree well. And a lot of these new elements today, I don't know if they're unaware of that – or if that's an example of them being able to see who came before them, as well as being grateful for those characters who were interesting in their time. ”
“Aquí mando yo”, with its clear message of empowerment as well as advice (“Many students have swallowed the money, forgotten their roots and become arrogant”), comes as Los Tigres announce the rest of their world tour, including their first date at the legendary Madison Square Garden, set for May 24, 2025.
After playing more than 50 dates between the United States, Mexico and South America – with stops such as Foro Sol in Mexico City, three nights at the Movistar Arena in Bogotá and dates in Spain – 12 months of touring will culminate for Los Tigres with the date at MSG, their first at this venue.
Details of the concert, presented by Zamora Entertainment, which is producing the group's tour, will be announced on May 30 at a press conference at MSG.
“I never imagined I'd be in this place, and I think it's very important for our career and for our style of music,” says Hernández — noting that the group have been ambassadors of the norteño for over five decades. “We fought to take this music and bring it and expose it to the world. We have been able to visit cities big and small in the United States and now we are traveling the world performing the music at its best. And it's been a lot of work, making sure that the music will hold up and that it's going to be looked at with good eyes.”
Also on Thursday night, Los Tigres will release their new five-song EP, also titled Aquí Mando Yo, at Fonovisa. The album features songs by various writers, including Héctor Guerrero, who wrote the title song. As has historically been customary for Los Tigres, the group listens to a lot of music, from many writers—even new ones—before choosing what to record. Guerrero, whom Hernández had never met, introduced 15 songs to the band.
“I always listen to them all,” says Hernández, who, unlike many artists today, doesn't give his name as a composer unless he's actually been involved in songwriting. “You know we respect each and every one of our colleagues,” he adds. “I'm not trying to compare myself to anyone […] I always say that when music is doing well, there is a great opportunity to continue the music movement and that makes me very happy. If someone is successful, somehow I will be successful. Selfish people never succeed.”
Here are the full lyrics to “Aquí mando yo,” available from Thursday (May 30).
Singing to our people
It felt like an incoherent dream
We broke a thousand barriers, starting from the bottom
Penniless, it was hard.
In the world of myth
The lies are finally floating
And there are many students who are fed up with money
They forgot their roots and became arrogant.
I think many students will not like it
today's lesson
Several names are missing from the list, their turn is over
and what was strong begins to crumble.
I'm in charge here
I didn't have to pay for this canine.
It's years of orbit, we've tasted glory
We came back from the store when you came in for the bread.
You have to face the truth.
(SPEAKS)
These verses I speak today
They were made for many now running their mouths
in a hypocritical world, those who tell the truth become evil,
Loose lips full of false words
telling stories that never lived,
but in this jungle
The crown does not pass, and the TIGER is respected, with his head held high
even if you look at me alone, know that HERE I AM IN CHARGE
Lying is common
I will refresh your memory, now that you sit down,
when it comes to the boss of bosses, you never talk down.
I think many students will not like it
today's lesson
Several names are missing from the list, their turn is over
and what was strong begins to crumble.
I'm in charge here
I didn't have to pay for this canine.
It's years of orbit, we've tasted glory
We came back from the store when you came in for the bread.
You have to face the truth. I'm in charge here!
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/los-tigres-del-norte-aqui-mando-yo-msg-show-1235695157/