Lyrics Cortez The Killer

Cortez the Killer is a song by Neil Young, released in 1975 on the album Zuma by Neil Young & Crazy Horse. The lyrics recount the story of Hernan Cortezs arrival in Mexico and his interaction with the Aztec emperor Montezuma II. It is noted for its powerful critique of the destruction of the Aztec culture by Spanish forces. While historical, the song carries a strong emotional weight, reflecting on the loss and beauty of the Aztec civilization.



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 wandered
With the secrets of the worlds

And his subjects gathered 'round him
Like the leaves around a tree
In their clothes of many colours
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
But they died along the way
And 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

(fade out)