Steve Earle & Los Lobos – “Volver A Celaya”

American singer-songwriter Steve Earle and Mexican-American band Los Lobos have teamed up for a new collaboration, "Volver A Celaya." The song, penned by Earle, tells the story of a Mexican-born construction worker who spends most of his life in the United States before planning to return to his homeland. Earle wrote the song in 2021 after teaching songwriting workshops in Brooklyn. The track was recorded in Richmond, Virginia, in early summer 2021, with Los Lobos member Steve Berlin serving as producer.

In the song, Earle paints a vivid picture of the life of Mexican construction workers in the US, highlighting their long hours, hard work, and the differences in their earnings compared to their Anglo counterparts. He reflects on how these workers send money back to their families in Mexico and how their lives have changed over the years. The character in the song is based on construction workers Earle worked with in the 1970s, and his story brings empathy and a sense of connection to the subject matter.

The collaboration between Earle and Los Lobos is the latest in a long history of shared experiences on stage and in the studio. The two artists have been performing together for decades, and working on "Volver A Celaya" is a culmination of their fruitful relationship. Earle praises Los Lobos for their ability to capture the essence of life under the current immigration regime, and he looks forward to more collaborations in the future.

The song is set to be released on New West Records, with a limited edition 7" single featuring Earle's 2007 song "City Of Immigrants" on the B-side.