“Thank You”, 1972
Style: Mariachi farewell song from a genre-defining singer and national treasure of Mexico.
Country: Mexico
Listen: YouTube, Amazon.
José Alfredo Jiménez died 41 years ago on November 23, 1973.
My father is a huge fan of José Alfredo Jiménez. Once, when I was visiting home and helping him install a new music program, he started filling his playlist and found this song. He told me more about the legendary José Alfredo Jiménez, beloved and prolific singer-songwriter of Mexico. Jiménez died in 1973 of cirrhosis of the liver due to his drinking. He didn’t die sad or regretful, though. He died full of gratitude for his fans. He composed this last song, “Gracias” (Thank You), to express his love for everyone, and to let people know that he thought his life was wonderful, and that he had made peace with his upcoming death.
He picked his own epigram, arranged his own funeral, and settled his affairs. Here is an interview with José Alfredo Jiménez at the hospital. Fourteen days before his death, he left the hospital and drove to have dinner with his son, then they played dominos all night.
To this day, he is still internationally famous for his character- and story-driven lyrics. When people think of mariachi, ranchera, and corrido songs, they think of José Alfredo Jiménez.
Lyrics Translation:
¿Cómo puedo pagar
Que me quieran a mí
Por todas mis canciones?
How can I repay
That you all love me
For all my songs?
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