Cortez The Killer

"Cortez The Killer" by Neil Young, featured on the 1977 compilation album Decade, is a track steeped in history and intrigue, originally recorded for the 1975 album Zuma with Crazy Horse. One fascinating story about the song’s recording involves a technical mishap: during the session, a circuit in the mixing console blew, cutting off the end of the track and losing a final verse. When producer David Briggs informed the band, Young reportedly shrugged and said, “I never liked that verse anyway.” That lost verse, however, resurfaced decades later during Young’s 2024 tour with Crazy Horse, where he performed a 14-minute version including previously unheard lines like “But I floated on the water, And I ate that ocean wave.” Fans were thrilled, with posts on X calling it a “premiere of the lost verses.” The song’s creation also ties back to Young’s high school days in Winnipeg, where he wrote it while studying the history of Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Empire, blending historical inspiration with poetic license.

The song’s lyrical content has sparked debate for its romanticized view of the Aztecs, with lines like “Hate was just a legend / And war was never known.” Historians and critics, including Rolling Stone, have pointed out inaccuracies, noting the Aztecs’ frequent warfare and human sacrifices. Young himself acknowledged the song’s blend of fact and fiction in a 1995 Mojo interview, saying, “It was a combination of imagination and knowledge,” and reflecting on Cortés as both benevolent and ruthless. Interestingly, the song was banned in Spain under Franco’s regime due to its provocative title, and when Zuma was released there after Franco’s death, it was retitled “Cortez, Cortez” to avoid controversy. Its hypnotic, three-chord structure in double drop D tuning and emotive guitar solos—ranked No. 39 on Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Guitar Solos—have made it a fan favorite, with covers by artists like Built to Spill and Dave Matthews Band, the latter performing it with Warren Haynes at their 2003 Central Park concert.

Neil Young, born November 12, 1945, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey in Winnipeg, where he grew up after his family moved there. As a teenager, he played in local bands, including The Squires, performing instrumental rock and early original songs. His career took shape in the mid-1960s when he moved to California and co-founded Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills and Richie Furay, blending folk, rock, and country. The band’s 1966 hit “For What It’s Worth” brought early fame, but Young’s restless spirit led him to pursue a solo career by 1968, releasing his self-titled debut album. His work with Crazy Horse, starting with 1969’s Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, cemented his raw, gritty sound, while albums like After the Gold Rush (1970) and Harvest (1972) showcased his versatility, earning him widespread acclaim as a pivotal figure in folk-rock and proto-grunge.

Young’s official website, Neil Young Archives, offers a deep dive into his discography, unreleased recordings, and tour updates, while his Facebook and Instagram accounts share news, archival photos, and fan engagement. On X, Young and his team post about new releases and social causes, reflecting his activism in environmental and social justice issues. Fans connect through dedicated sites like Thrasher’s Wheat, a long-running blog with concert reviews and album analyses, and the r/neilyoung subreddit, where “Zoo Freaks” might find lively discussions about “Cortez The Killer” and Young’s legacy. Facebook groups like Neil Young Fans also thrive, uniting devotees who share stories, vinyl finds, and concert memories, keeping the spirit of Young’s music alive.