Zevon later said that the song was one of his favorites, calling it a "weird mash-up" of Mexican history, Spanish poetry, and American rock and roll. The song features a prominent use of the Cuban tres guitar, played by David Lindley. The Spanish lyrics in the chorus were added by Spanish guitarist Jorge Calderón, who also provided backing vocals on the track. ![]() Zevon wrote the song while on a trip to Spain, after visiting the port city of Cadiz. The song was released on Zevon's 1987 album "Sentimental Hygiene," which was produced by REM's Peter Buck. If you find inaccuracies, you can request we run a fact check here or highlight specific content to report it. ![]() The song has been interpreted as a commentary on American imperialism and interventionism, drawing parallels to more recent US military involvement in Latin America. The song's references to General Emiliano Zapata, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, and the use of Spanish in the chorus further ground the lyrics in Mexican history and culture. President Woodrow Wilson ordered the occupation of Veracruz after a dispute with the Mexican government, leading to a brief but violent conflict in which hundreds of people were killed. The lyrics of "Veracruz" are based on historical events, specifically the 1914 American intervention in Veracruz, Mexico. The verses are sung in English, while the chorus is sung in Spanish, emphasizing the cultural and linguistic divide between the Americans and Mexicans in the song. The lyrics imply that the gunfire that is being heard is from Woodrow Wilson's troops, who had invaded Veracruz in response to a perceived threat from the Mexican government. The instructions are clear: head west, keep the child safe, and let Zapata handle the rest when the American troops withdraw. The situation is so dire that the speaker's father's voice comes to him, warning him and urging him to leave with his family and servants. ![]() The speaker of the song hears the sounds of gunfire, cries from a woman named Maria, and news that Veracruz is dying. The lyrics of Warren Zevon's song "Veracruz" portray a scene of chaos and impending doom in the Mexican city of Veracruz.
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