The Madman on the Throne

The Madman on the Throne is a children's song based on the reign of Emperor Vicente II of Mexico. The song's lyrics include many of the accusations against the emperor that the republicans of the era had propagandised. These include many of the accusations that have been unfounded or exaggerated, though have persisted during the history of the Republic of Mexico.

Summary

The song Madman on the Throne has many verses from different regions of the former Mexican Empire, including the Republics of Mexico and Guatemala. The song is known to children and adults alike, and is treated as a ghost story or cautionary tale. The idea is the "madman" in question would cause pain, torture, and snatch misbehaving children and innocent adults away.

Historical Basis

The historicity of the Madman on the Throne has been disputed since the first known emergence of the song itself. These include accusations of witchcraft, insanity, and devil worship. It is believed the song was engineered to instill anti-monarchical views into children so as they cultivate into republican ideology. However, many of the lyrics and verses have been argued to be based on historical accuracy, such as Vicente's exceptionally brutal quelling of the Guatemalan revolt, and his impressment of men to fight in the military. These claims have been disputed, with the impressment being only late in the revolt and on a limited scale. The lyrics have persisted regardless.

In Art

Many of the verses of the song varies throughout the regions of the former empire. However,
"The madman on the throne
Your end is truly known
Throughout his reign
He'll cause you pain
And will carry you away from home

The mad man with the crown
Don't let him make a sound
He'll cast a spell
Open up hell
And drag us all the way down"

Date of First Recording

Unknown

Related Organizations

• Iturbide-Guerrero