Celia Cruz

Lyrics

[Letra de "Quimbara"]

[Intro]
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Eh, mamá
Eh-eh, mamá
Eh, mamá
Eh-eh, mamá

[Verso]
La rumba me está llamando
Bombo, dile que ya voy
Que se espere un momentico
Mientras canto un Guaguancó
Dile que no es un desprecio
Pues vive en mi corazón
Mi vida e' tan solo eso
Rumba buena y Guaguancó, eh-ah

[Pre-Coro]
Eh, mamá
Eh-eh, mamá
Azúca'
[Coro]
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Si quieres gozá', si quieres bailá'
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá, oh
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Ay, lo baila Mariel, también Joseíto
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quim-, bajito
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, quimbara, quimbara
Quimbara micumba cumba-quimbara, cumbara-cumba
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
E' quimbara-cumbara, cumba, quimbara-cumbara
Cumba, quimbara-cumbara, cumba, quimbara-cumbara, cumba
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Ay, lo baila Teresa, también Joseíto
Y quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quim-, bajito
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Ay, quimbara, quimbara, quimbara
Quimbara, micumba cumba-quimbara, micumba-cumba
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
[Interludio]
Ajá
Vámono' pa' allá
Joh
Jah
Ay, Dio' mío
Qué lío

[Coro]
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá

Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá

Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá

Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
E' quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbabá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
E' quimbara, que quimbara, que quimbara, que quimbara
Que tumbara, que tumbara, que quimbabá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Ay, lo baila Teresa y lo baila Juanito
Y quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quim-, bajito (Bajito, bajito)
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
¡Dispara!
¡Dispara!
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
¡Dispara!
¡Dispara!
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
¡Dispara!
¡Dispara!
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
E' quimbara, quimbara, quimba-quimbambá
Y quimbara, quimbara, quimba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
E' quimbara-quimbara, quimba, quimbara-quimbara
Quimba, quimbara-quimbara, quimba, quimbara-quimbara pero
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
E' jumbara-cumbara, jumba, jumbara-cumbara
Jumba, jumbara-quimbara, jumba, jumbara-quimbara, jumba
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Dequechí, cachán, cachán, cachufa
Cumbara quimbara, cumba-cu, la rumba
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá
Quimbara, cumbara, cumba-quimbambá

Quimbara, the iconic salsa song by Celia Cruz featuring Johnny Pacheco, takes us on a musical journey through the life and talent of one of the most legendary figures in Latin music. Celia Cruz, born in Havana, Cuba, had a deep love for singing that began in her childhood. Growing up in a warm and loving family, she would often help her mother sing lullabies to her younger siblings. Her father, a railway worker, would join in the musical festivities when he returned home, creating a joyous atmosphere filled with melodies.

Even in their humble circumstances, music became an all-consuming passion for Celia. It was a form of expression that transcended their poverty and allowed her to connect with others. As she sang on the front porch, neighbors would be drawn to her captivating voice, leaving their homes to listen and revel in the sheer beauty of her talent. Despite her father's hopes for her to become a school teacher, Celia couldn't resist the pull of music. She participated in competitions, letting her passion guide her on the path to a remarkable future.

But fate had other plans for Celia Cruz. The revolution in Cuba forced her to leave her beloved homeland behind and seek refuge in the vibrant streets of New York City. Here, her music faced challenges as it was not immediately embraced with the same fervor she had experienced in Cuba. Yet, Celia's unparalleled voice and enigmatic personality eventually captivated the Latino community in the United States, leading her to achieve remarkable success and international recognition.

Quimbara, in particular, played a pivotal role in Celia Cruz's career. Released in 1974, the song marked a resurgence of her fame. Its infectious rhythm and irresistible energy instantly became a favorite amongst fans, cementing Celia's status as the "Queen of Salsa." The nature of her music, salsa, brought together a rich blend of styles including rock, rumba, mambo, and jazz, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Delving into the Melodies of Quimbara

Quimbara, with its vivacious beats and soulful lyrics, captures the essence of rumba, a traditional Cuban dance form. As the song begins, the captivating voice of Celia Cruz takes center stage, backed by the infectious rhythms of Johnny Pacheco's orchestra. The melody pulsates with a vibrant energy that compels listeners to move and groove to its irresistible tempo.

While the lively rhythm of the song demands attention, it is Celia's powerful vocals that truly steal the show. Her voice embodies a unique combination of strength and vulnerability, captivating the listener's emotions. Through her soaring melodies and expressive delivery, Celia's voice breathes life into the lyrics, evoking a range of feelings that resonate deeply with the audience.

The lyrics of Quimbara, written by Junior Cepeda, paint a vivid picture of joyful celebration and passionate love. They transport us to a world filled with vibrant colors, rhythmic movements, and the intoxicating allure of Cuban traditions. Celia's masterful interpretation of these lyrics elevates the song to new heights, infusing it with her distinctive style and musical genius.

One can't help but be mesmerized by the interplay between Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco throughout Quimbara. Pacheco's orchestra provides a dynamic backdrop, punctuating the song with horn sections, powerful percussion, and lively piano melodies. The collaboration between these two musical powerhouses creates a synergy that is truly awe-inspiring.

Quimbara and Its Enduring Legacy

Quimbara not only solidified Celia Cruz's status as an icon in the world of salsa but also became a symbol of triumph over adversity. The song's infectious rhythm and infectious energy became a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of Celia herself, who overcame immense challenges to become the beloved figure she is today.

Even decades after its release, Quimbara continues to enthrall audiences worldwide. Its timeless appeal transcends generational boundaries, uniting people through the joy and passion that emanates from every note. This classic salsa masterpiece stands as a testament to Celia Cruz's enduring legacy, a reminder of her unparalleled talent, and a celebration of the beauty of Latin music.

In a world filled with music, Quimbara shines as a beacon of hope, representing the power of music to bridge cultural divides and touch hearts across the globe. So, let the infectious rhythms and enchanting melodies of Quimbara transport you to a world of joy, love, and the sheer magic of Celia Cruz's extraordinary talent.

• Release Date: 1974
• Artist: Celia Cruz