Meaning of "Cortez The Killer" by Dave Matthews Band

The lyrics of "Cortez The Killer" depict the arrival of Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador, in the New World as he searches for a new land, represented by "the palace in the sun." The reference to Montezuma, the Aztec emperor, and his subjects with their colorful clothes and offerings highlight the vibrant and harmonious indigenous civilization that existed before the arrival of the Europeans. The lyrics convey a sense of awe and wonder at this lost world, portraying it as a utopia where hate and war were unknown.

However, the lyrics also acknowledge the detrimental impact of Cortés and the Spanish invaders on this peaceful society. The mention of sacrifice and the people working together to build a better future alludes to the sacrifices made by the indigenous people. Despite their efforts, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the Spanish, as demonstrated by the line "They carried them to the flatlands, and they died along the way."

The final lines of the lyrics shift the focus to a personal narrative, possibly representing the perspective of someone living in the present day. The narrator mentions a lost love, symbolically connecting their personal loss with the loss and destruction caused by Cortés. This could be interpreted as a reflection on how the actions of those in power, such as Cortés, can have far-reaching consequences and cause personal turmoil for individuals.

[MEANING - Word Count: 274 words]