Cortez The Killer

It may not make great sense from the lyrics, but this is one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard. I first heard it 27 years ago on Live Rust. At first, I didn't think much of it. I was more into Sugar Mountain.

Nobody beats Neal Young's original. Built to Spill came close and extended it in a manner that becomes a wonderful tribute to the original. The Church did a very different take on it, which is harsh in it's own way, and a great version. I'm not sure about the Dave Matthews Band attempt. His voice could carry it, but beyond that, I'm not sure.

I've been listening to this over and over for a couple months. Not sure why. I have the Built to Spill version on the player. It's worth a listen, if you have a half hour or so.

Cortez the Killer

He came dancing across the water
With his galleons and guns
Looking for the new world
In that palace in the sun.

On the shore lay Montezuma
With his coca leaves and pearls
In his halls he often wondered
With the secrets of the worlds.

And his subjects
gathered 'round him
Like the leaves around a tree
In their clothes of many colors
For the angry gods to see.

And the women all were beautiful
And the men stood
straight and strong
They offered life in sacrifice
So that others could go on.

Hate was just a legend
And war was never known
The people worked together
And they lifted many stones.

They carried them
to the flatlands
And they died along the way
But they built up
with their bare hands
What we still can't do today.

And I know she's living there
And she loves me to this day
I still can't remember when
Or how I lost my way.

He came dancing across the water
Cortez, Cortez
What a killer.