Buena Vista Social Club

Lyrics

6 ContributorsLa Bayamesa LyricsLleva en su alma La Bayamesa
Tristes recuerdos de tradiciones
Cuando contempla sus verdes llanos
Lágrimas vierte por sus pasiones, sí
Lleva en su alma La Bayamesa
Tristes recuerdos de tradiciones
Cuando contempla sus verdes llanos
Lágrimas vierte por sus pasiones, sí

Ella es sencilla le brinda al hombre
Virtudes todas y el corazón
Pero se siente de la patria el grito
Pero se siente de la patria el grito
Todo lo deja todo lo quema
Ese es su lema, su religión
Ese es su lema, su religiónYou might also likeEmbed

La Bayamesa is a captivating song by the legendary Buena Vista Social Club. This Cuban supergroup, which came together through the efforts of American guitarist and producer Ry Cooder, captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide with their unique blend of traditional Cuban music. La Bayamesa, written by Sindo Garay in 1869, is a patriotic anthem to the Republic and is even part of the Cuban national anthem. The Buena Vista Social Club's rendition of the song not only pays homage to the original composer but also infuses it with their own spirit, creating a truly mesmerizing musical experience.

About Buena Vista Social Club

Before delving deeper into the essence of La Bayamesa, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey of the Buena Vista Social Club. Originally, the Buena Vista Social Club was not a formal group. It was the brainchild of Ry Cooder, who traveled to Havana, Cuba in 1996 to seek out the talented Cuban musicians. The exceptional musicians he brought together were nothing short of spectacular. Led by musical director Juan de Marcos Gonzáles, the group featured renowned performers such as bassist Orlando "Cachaito" López, guitarist Eliades Ochoa, pianist Rubén González, and vocalists Manuel "Puntillita" Licea and Compay Segundo. This union of masterful musicians resulted in a musical masterpiece that gained international success and took the world by storm.

The Fascinating Story Behind La Bayamesa

La Bayamesa holds a special place in the hearts of the Buena Vista Social Club and their fans. The song, originally written by Sindo Garay, is deeply rooted in Cuban history and serves as a patriotic tribute to the Republic. Its timeless lyrics and melodies have resonated with generations of Cubans. Interestingly, this version of the song features a new ending arranged by Compay Segundo, a member of the Buena Vista Social Club. Compay Segundo fondly remembers the original writer, Garay, visiting his family home during the time of the revolution, adding a personal touch to the composition.

As the final song on their album, La Bayamesa showcases the group's immense talent and their ability to infuse their own musical prowess into a classic piece. The success of the Buena Vista Social Club propelled what was described as "Cuba-mania," as it acted as a lens to explore the captivating culture of Cuba. With the overwhelming success of their album, Buena Vista's music resonated in every corner of the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the world music scene.

The Legacy of Buena Vista Social Club

The Buena Vista Social Club's collaboration and success earned them a Grammy award, solidifying their place in music history. The group's ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles intrigued director Wim Wenders, who felt compelled to create a documentary film portraying the phenomenon that was the Buena Vista Social Club. The passing of some of the group's original members has not deterred their legacy, as new musicians continue to join the group, keeping the Buena Vista spirit alive.

La Bayamesa stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend time and borders. This exquisite rendition by the Buena Vista Social Club not only pays homage to Cuban history but also celebrates the richness of their musical heritage. The soothing melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful arrangements in La Bayamesa will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. It is through songs like La Bayamesa that the Buena Vista Social Club has left an enduring mark on the world of music, reminding us of the beauty and significance of Cuba's rich musical traditions.

• Release Date: June 23, 1997
• Artist: Buena Vista Social Club