The song was written by José Barros , a master of Colombian rhythms like cumbia and porro. While it is deeply rooted in Colombian folk traditions, its popularity exploded through numerous covers that adapted it to different regional styles:
: The world-renowned Colombian folk singer has performed powerful live versions that emphasize the song's traditional rhythmic roots. El Gallo Tuerto
: One of the most famous versions was released in 1978 by this Mexican group, helping the song become an iconic "tropical" hit in Mexico. The song was written by José Barros ,