Los Tigres del Norte: La Jaula de Oro - by Jazlynn Bojorquez

La Jaula De Oro (The Golden Cage)

    Reading The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle will teach us to be grateful for being born in a country that so many struggle and fight to come into. It also teaches readers that ones strong and loving heart will always preserver bad treatment. One can learnt to value their current living situation and may possibly teach them to help homeless citizens in their community. As for ones battle with thoughts and heart, we can learn from Delaney that we should be careful for those we choose to surround ourselves with. Although what is in our hearts is true, our way of thinking can be greatly influenced by those around us and can change us completely! 

     Many of us are aware that to other countries, especially Mexico, the United States is the place to go when you dream of succession and a better life. However, that does not come without sacrifice. Many must leave behind loved ones and possessions. The song "La Jaula De Oro" by Los Tigres Del Norte explains just that. This Hispanic band focuses on using their voice to spreading stories of danger, discrimination, and social rejection that Mexicans face. Their song "La Jaula De Oro" is about a man who came into the United States illegal to provide a better life for his wife and two kids. This can be tied to T.C Boyle's novel The Tortilla Curtain since Candido came to the United States illegally multiple times in order to make money and secure the best life possible for his family as he has stated many times throughout the novel. The man who this band focuses their song about, states that he misses Mexico and although succeeding, he asks himself "What good is this money if I am a prisoner in this great nation". This can be tied to America. Although she would like the possibility of succeeding for her family, she misses how easy life was back home. Not only this, but when she had Socorro, she wanted the help of her family and missed them greatly, especially her mother (312).

    Towards the end of the short song, the man states that he only works and goes straight home due to his fear of getting caught and deported. Just as Candido would everyday. An example of this would be when the labor exchange camp closed and many of Candido's companions and himself were worried about being caught (205). When picking a song for this assignment, I knew that this one or any other song created by a hispanic or Mexican American would fit perfectly due to their experiences or those around them. It is really saddening that we do not see how lucky we can be living in a country such as this one while others sacrifice everything to do so. 

Song Lyrics/ Text Comparison Chart

"La Jaula De Oro" - Los Tigres del Norte	La Jaula de Inmigrantes - The Tortilla Curtain
Aquí estoy establecido       En los Estados Unidos       Diez años pasaron ya       En que cruce de mojado       Papeles no he arreglado       Sigo siendo un ilegal English Translation:       I'm established here       In the United States       Ten years have passed       Since I crossed as a wetback       With no proper documents       I'm still an illegal	As we all know, Candido has entered the U.S. illegally multiple times. He does this in order to provide more money for his wife back in Mexico. However, the last two times that he crosses to the United State is for America. We also know that Candido is an illegal immigrant due to his fear of "La Migra" (58-59).
De que me sirve el dinero       Si estoy como prisionero       Dentro de esta gran nación       Cuando me acuerdo hasta lloro       Aunque la jaula sea de oro       No deja de ser prisión       Tengo mi esposa y mis hijos       Que me las traje muy chicos       Y se han olvidado ya       De mi México querido       Del que yo nunca me olvido       Y no puedo regresar       English Translation:  I have my wife and children          Whom I brought when they were young And they've already forgotten My beloved Mexico Which I can never forget And cannot return to What's money good for If I live like a prisoner In this great nation When I'm reminded of this, I cry Although this cage is made of gold It's still a prison	This verse can apply more to America. Since their struggles began, it was known that America wanted to return to Mexico, and although Candido did too, he knew he needed to provide better. America's desire to go back home begins near the time she is about to have the baby and they are at their worst, even though she knows that the best future for her daughter is in the United States. However, this desire grows even greater once she has given birth to Socorro. She misses the support and safety that her family provided. And especially needs her mother at this time (312).
De mi trabajo a mi casa       No sé lo que me pasa       Que aunque soy hombre de        hogar       Casi no salgo a la calle       Pues tengo miedo que me   hallen       Y me pueden deportar English Translation:       From work to my house       I don't know what's going on  with me       Although I'm the head of the    household       I almost never go out       Because I'm afraid that they'll catch me       And deport me	In this verse, we can see the similarity between this man and Candido. Just like Candido, this man goes from work, straight home and vise-versa. This is due to the fear of getting deported. An example of this can be seen when Candido goes to the labor exchange camp everyday and straight home. Until one day he notices it was closed down and gets word that "La migra" may be passing by. Since his greatest fear has gotten so close to him, he decides to lie low for a while (pg. 205).