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