Ritchie Valens

Lyrics

[Letra de "La Bamba"]

[Coro]
Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesito una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa' mi, pa' ti, arriba, y arriba
Y arriba, y arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti

[Verso]
Yo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán
Soy capitán, soy capitán
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bam

[Coro]
Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesito una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa' mi, pa' ti, arriba, y arriba
[Puente]
Rrr, ja-ja

[Coro]
Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesito una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa' mi, pa' ti, arriba, y arriba
Y arriba, y arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré

[Outro]
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba

When it comes to early rock-and-roll, one of the most well-known and beloved songs is "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens. This traditional Mexican folk song was adapted by Valens in 1958, and it quickly shot up the charts to become a Top 40 hit in the US. But "La Bamba" isn't just a catchy tune - it's also an important piece of musical history.

About La Bamba

What makes "La Bamba" so noteworthy is that it was one of the first US hits to be sung entirely in Spanish. This was a major departure from the English-language hits that dominated the charts at the time, and it helped to pave the way for other Latin-American artists to find success in the American market. The song also blended traditional Latin-American music with rock, creating an entirely new sound that would come to be known as Latin rock. For these reasons, "La Bamba" is often considered the first ever Latin rock song.

The title of the song itself is intriguing, as it has no literal translation in English. The closest associated word is "Bambolear," which means "to swing." This reflects the upbeat, danceable nature of the song, which is characterized by its infectious rhythm and catchy melody. But there's also a deeper cultural significance to the song, as it celebrates the rich history and traditions of Mexican folk music.

Ritchie Valens, the artist who adapted "La Bamba" for the US market, was himself of Mexican descent. Born Richard Steven Valenzuela in 1941, Valens grew up in California and learned to play guitar at a young age. His parents were both musical, and he was inspired by their love of Mexican folk music. In fact, Valens' first language was Spanish, and he only learned to speak English when he started school.

When Valens decided to adapt "La Bamba" for his second single, he did so with a deep respect for the song's traditional roots. He added his own flair to the arrangement, incorporating elements of rock and roll that were popular at the time. But he also sang the entire song in Spanish, preserving the integrity of the original lyrics and making a bold statement about the place of Latin-American music in the American cultural landscape.

The result was an instant classic. "La Bamba" rocketed up the charts, and Valens became a sensation overnight. He went on to record other hits and tour extensively, but his career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper in 1959. Valens was just 17 years old at the time of his death, but his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking music.

The Legacy of La Bamba

Today, "La Bamba" remains one of the most popular and recognizable songs in the world. It's been covered by countless artists in a wide variety of genres, from Los Lobos to Lou Diamond Phillips to Bruce Springsteen to Justin Bieber. It's also been featured in numerous films and TV shows, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.

But beyond its popularity and catchy melody, "La Bamba" represents a powerful statement about the importance of cultural diversity and the value of preserving traditional music. It helped to break down barriers and introduce new audiences to the rich heritage of Latin-American music. And by doing so, it paved the way for countless other artists to follow in Ritchie Valens' footsteps.

So the next time you find yourself tapping your foot to the infectious rhythm of "La Bamba," take a moment to appreciate the song's rich history and enduring legacy. It's a testament to the power of music to transcend language, culture, and even time itself.

• Release Date: October 18, 1958
• Artist: Ritchie Valens