Hocicona: Stop Whatever You're Doing and Listen
Music to Revolt and Rock Your Baby To
Hocicona: [oh-see-cone-ah] Spanish for loudmouth
Peleonera: [peh-lee-ohn-era] Spanish for fighter.
Texans are fighting the good fight. Yes, our lawmakers just made it out of a special legislative session that among other major changes includes redistricting voting maps in favor of the GOP and yes, it’s enough to make this working mama of two want to crawl up in bed and cry. But I have hope. Te recuerdas? That thing with wings that Emily Dickinson talked about.
While picking up groceries with my son this weekend, the hellscape dumpster fire that is the current state of the world must’ve let a few sparks off in the wrong direction.
Like the Ink Blots sang about, a flame in my heart in the form of Texas punk-rock band Las Hijas De La Madre started.
Lead-singer of the band, Amalia Ortiz had announced on Facebook the release of the group’s latest single Too Drunk to Consent. So, son in car, we opened up Spotify to listen. I didn’t see the new single, but I did see their songs listed including
“Hocicona, peleonera”. What a jam. I felt electrified and hopeful. It was as impactful as the first time I listened to Bikini Kill’s Rebel Girl. If you know, YOU MF Know.
I first met Amalia, a Def Jam poet, author, artist and all-around badass in 2008 or 2009. We were both Rio Grande Valley transplants living in California at the time.
The woman has a way with words and voice worthy of them,
In between a rocking baseline the song encourages unity, strength and social justice. My favorite line in the song is:
“…So, we must fight together,
and we must hold the line.
If community’s the body,
las mujeres are the spine.”
The song is the anthem for resistance and action in the name of integrity.
As universal as the message is, it feels like it was written for the ideal version of me. The me who’d I be if I was braver and fiercer than I am. It’s late and my children are in bed. I can’t write late like I used to but I wanted to get this message out. A sign of life, that the message was received and the fight goes on.
Las Hijas De La Madre’s music is available on all streaming platforms.
Las Hijas De La Madre - Apple Music
The song’s full lyrics are below
Hocicona, Peleonera
I’ve seen a lot of violence.
I’ve felt a lot of pain.
Now, if I don’t stand up to it,
I felt it all in vain.
I’ve stood up to some enemies.
I’ve stood up to some friends.
And if my peace is threatened,
I’ll stand up once again.
I hear a word of insult.
I see a cruel act.
The powerless should rally
when the powerful attack.
So, we must fight together,
and we must hold the line.
If community’s the body,
las mujeres are the spine.
They call me “hocicona".
When I’m pissed,
I won’t shut up.
My mouth is a volcano.
Cross my gente, it erupts.
They call me “peleonera”,
‘cause they think I like to fight,
but I’m not fighting for my ego.
I’m just fighting for what’s right.
¡Hocicona! ¡Peleonera!
¡Luchadora, ¡Soldadera! ¡
Adelita!, ¡Mujer fuerte!
¡Poderosa! ¡Muy valiente!
Hocicona, Peleonera
Luchadora, Soldadera
I’ve seen a lot of violence.
I’ve felt a lot of pain.
Now, if I don’t stand up to it,
I felt it all in vain.
Mothers stand up for our children.
Sisters stand up for their friends,
and when our peace is threatened,
we must stand up once again!
They call me “hocicona".
When I’m pissed, I won’t shut up.
My mouth is a volcano.
Cross my gente, it erupts.
They call me “peleonera”,
‘cause they think I like to fight,
but I’m not fighting for my ego.
I’m just fighting for what’s right.
¡Hocicona! ¡Peleonera!
¡Luchadora, ¡Soldadera! ¡
Adelita!, ¡Mujer fuerte!
¡Poderosa! ¡Muy valiente!
Hocicona, Peleonera
Luchadora, soldadera
They call me “hocicona".
When I’m pissed,
I won’t shut up.
My mouth is a volcano.
Cross my gente, it erupts.
They call me “peleonera”,
‘cause they think I like to fight,
but I’m not fighting for my ego.
I’m just fighting for what’s right.
Horicona, Peleonera
Luchadora, soldadera
Adelita, Mujer fuerte
poderosa, muy valiente
Hocicona, Peleonera
Luchadora, soldadera
