El Rey

José Alfredo Jiménez, Javier Solís

About El Rey

"El Rey" (English: "The King") is a 1971 song by José Alfredo Jiménez. It is one of his best known songs and a Latin Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipient. A chart published by Record World credited "El Rey" as reaching #1 in Mexico in 1974, a year after Jiménez' death. The song has been recorded by several artists including Vicente Fernández whose version peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.


Year:
2008
2:10
#1

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Yo se bien que estoy afuera
Pero el día que yo me muera
Se que tendrás que llorar
Diras que no me quisiste
Pero vas a estar muy triste
Y asi te vas a quedar

Con dinero y sin dinero
Hago siempre lo que quiero
Y mi palabra es la ley
No tengo trono ni reina
Ni nadie que me comprenda
Pero sigo siendo el rey

Una piedra del camino
Me enseño que mi destino
Era rodar y rodar
Después me dijo un arriero
Que no hay que llegar primero
Pero hay que saber llegar

Con dinero y sin dinero
Hago siempre lo que quiero
Y mi palabra es la ley
No tengo trono ni reina
Ni nadie que me comprenda
Pero sigo siendo el rey

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José Alfredo Jiménez

José Alfredo Jiménez (January 19, 1926 in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato – November 23, 1973 in Mexico City, Mexico) was a Mexican singer-songwriter in the ranchera style whose songs are considered an integral part of Mexico's musical heritage. more »

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Written by: Jose Alfredo Jimenez Sandoval

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin
"El Rey" is a classic mariachi song written and performed by renowned Mexican singer-songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez.
Recreation
The song is also famously covered by another legendary Mexican artist, Vicente Fernández, who while honoring the original composition, brought his own unique style to the track.
Lyrics Significance
The lyrics of "El Rey" are an allegory for existentialist philosophy, portraying life as a journey in which the individual remains defiant and unbroken despite various setbacks.
Cultural Influence
Due to its profound lyrics and memorable melody, "El Rey" has become an anthem of Mexican culture and is a favorite in mariachi performances.
Recognition
"El Rey" is one of José Alfredo Jiménez's most recognized and celebrated compositions, showcasing his deep understanding of Mexican folk music.
Use in Media
The song has been used extensively in film and television to evoke Mexican identity and heritage.
Timeless
Despite being written in the mid-20th century, "El Rey" is still popular today, often being performed at celebrations and special occasions.
International Reach
Both Jiménez's and Fernández's versions of "El Rey" have reached significant popularity internationally, further expanding the influence of Mexican culture and music.
Awards
While José Alfredo Jiménez was posthumously inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1998, Vicente Fernández has won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards. Both artists are celebrated for their contributions, with songs like "El Rey" being essential parts of their legacies.
Immortalized
In recognition of its cultural importance, "El Rey" and José Alfredo Jiménez's other works were immortalized at Mexico City's Plaza Garibaldi, the meeting point of the country's traditional mariachi musicians.
Cover Versions
Beyond Jiménez and Fernández, "El Rey" has been covered by various other artists over the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence.

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