Gallo del Cilro- Artistic Version with Lyrics

Russell's dramatic lyrical ballad illustrated with Artwork by Gary LeDrew
Gallo del Cielo
Written by Tom Russell and Performed by Joe Ely

Here is an example of songwriting at its best, making a sublime legend of a story of a man who steals a fighting rooster. Like all great stories, there is so much more to this song than what first appears: adventure, loyalty, honor, gambling all set against the backdrop of a time before California joined the U.S. The Tex-Mex music, complete with accordion, perfectly matches the lyrics.

Come along for the ride with Carlos Zaragoza who "left his home in Casa Grandas when the moon was full." He flees with "no money in his pocket, just a locket of his sister framed in gold." Russell's singing imparts nobility to this effort. Zaragoza heads to El Sueco, where he steals the roster called Gallo del Cielo, the rooster from heaven, and then travels north of the Rio Grande. Listen to the details; hear the hints of beauty and mystery, and the accordion weaving underneath that adds resonance.

[ricardovargas]

The best Mexican songs are about desperation and hope and ending in great loss and hopelessness. This songs follows those traditions beautifully. It would have had a beautiful ending, with Zaragoza and Gallo Del Cielo returning home to buy the lands of his father, stolen by Pancho Villa. But the very human greed of Zaragoza caused Gallo Del Cielo to lose his life and all of the dreams to come. Beautiful.

[thelastremaininglogicallib]

So f'ng incredible! By every metric. First the art. Superb work. Really helped tell the story of a man with a bad ass rooster and a long shot. World class playing, iconic voice, Mexican vibe. I haven't even mentioned the excellent lyrics. The tell the gripping tale of a young man on a quest to avenge his father and right a wrong from a previous generation. Great characters, and a conclusion that is less than ideal, sad even.

[realbentley]

As a person who practices the sport of kings (cockfighting), l love this song. Good job!!!

[ryangamblin]

I love this song I heard it about 20 years ago

[Tom-ysik]

I LOVE This song reminds me of the 'cockers' in the Philippines where SABOnG is the no 1 sport/passtime for many Filipino's, I know this is about a Mexicano who is trying to save his family but I can't help but think how it applies to those Filipino's I knew when living in that country who are trying to do the same thing. I love the visuals in this song, good job

[Imissthepostoffice]

am just so pleased to have run across this. The song I know well, as well as the artist Tom Russell. I have never seen someone do this video so nicely and with so much thought put into it. Thanks for your caring, and your really good reflection on the song. I really enjoyed watching this ...

[pdurong]

Great song written by Tom Russell, Great artwork by Gary LeDraw and great version by Joe Ely.
This version is by Joe Ely, not Tom Russell.

[JohnBrown-hkbm]

The best version I think although Ian Siegal with Dusty Ciggar's solos is also brilliant. Joe Elys' voice is superb here but who are the other musicians on this? Which album is it on? Superb performance & production.

[bikerbonnieduring]

misspelled .. should read,  Gallo del Cielo- Artistic Version with Lyrics

[sofiarosa]

.... 'cielo' is sky in 'paradiso' is heaven....

[eexpmalful]

Gallo del Cielo (Heaven rooster), not Gallo del Cilro (?).