For me, music is the path towards a higher purpose. I can’t quantify it. I can’t put it into words. But music has served me more than I could ever serve it.

Recently, Eddie Hernandez of Mariachi Azteca and I were practicing various songs when we decided to jam through a traditional song called El Reloj. This song is a classic bolero song written by Mexican composer Roberto Cantoral. It was first recorded in 1956 by the Mexican singer Lucho Gatica and has since become one of the most famous and enduring bolero songs in Chicano/Mexicano history.

The lyrics of “El Reloj” speak metaphorically about the passage of time and the pain of lost love. The song’s title, which translates to “The Clock” in English, symbolizes the relentless ticking away of time, echoing the singer’s longing and heartache. When Eddie and I jammed it out, I could actually feel the meaning conveyed within its content.

During our rehearsal, Eddie asked me a question that, at the time, I couldn’t answer: How important is it that we play our music? Now, my off the cuff response was, obviously, very important. But that response felt hollow and meaningless.

Over the last couple of days, however, I have thought about his question quite a bit. Turns out, my real answer is long-winded (as are most things about which I speak). The short version is that without songs such as El Reloj, history could consume our linguistic and cultural consciousness. In forgetting our music, we could forget our heritage and the fight our ancestors put up to maintain their traditions.

For me and my family, songs like El Reloj carry significant meaning. For others, perhaps songs like My Favorite Things, or Lonely Letters carry weight. Regardless of the songs or types of music, to carry them forward is to carry forward the ways we relate with the world. Therefore, I continue to learn as much as I can about the songs of my ancestors. I seek ways that I can take our music forward.

Eddie and I practice pretty regularly and every time is a blast. I have no outcome attached to our rehearsals. Though, I suspect that our rehearsals will find their purpose. I hope others find and carry their songs. Even if they don’t, I’m quite happy to share mine…