Mexican corridos are stories told in song. The word comes from correr, the Spanish verb meaning to run, and indicates that there is to be a running narrative. The use is limited—not all tales are called corridos—and usually love stories are not included. New stories with embellishments are the most customary. These range from classical news items, which become virtual sagas through retelling, and may deal with news of deeds of old, to the very latest newspaper item... Henry Cowell