Story Behind The Song
After receiving more than one call over the years from agents and club bookers, to play a "Cinco De Mayo" party to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, I had finally had my fill of the lack of knowledge on the historical significance of the 5th of May, so I wrote this song. I hope you enjoy my musical history lesson!
Song Description
This is the story of the origin of the holiday known as Cinco De Mayo.
| Song Length |
2:44 |
Genre |
Country - Americana, Folk - Americana |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Subject |
Birthdays, Other Holidays, History, Past |
Similar Artists |
Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
"Cinco De Mayo"
Words and by Gary Snead Copyright 2005
El Presidente Benito Juarez,
Had massive troubles with Mexico's debt,
His treasury broke,
He came out and spoke,
Foreign payments he'd have to forget
Napoleon the Third was in power,
In France in that fateful year,
He was quite incensed,
And so he did send,
His army and all of their gear
They'd take over the Mexican Nation,
To insure that their money they'd get,
They'd pillage and plunder,
Drive Mexico under,
And crush all resistance they met
Chorus:
Yo soy Mexicanos,
Viva, La Batalia de Puebla they cried,
It happened on Cinco de Mayo,
And brought every Mexican pride
Mr Juarez sent General Zaragosa,
To the hamlet of Puebla to meet,
France's superior forces,
With cavalry on horses,
And more guns than they'd care to greet
Well the battle did rage for two hours,
'Til the French they were forced to retreat,
The Mexican masses,
Had kicked those French asses,
Napoleon went down in defeat
So when you celebrate Cinco de Mayo,
On the fifth day of May each new year,
Toast Ignasio Zaragosa,
With a chilly mimosa,
Or Maybe a Mexican Beer
Chorus.... Repeat Chorus