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La Bamba
Ritchie Valens Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa' mí, pa' ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Y arriba, y arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré

Yo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán
Soy capitán, soy capitán
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bam

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa' mí, pa' ti, ay arriba, ay arriba

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa' mí, pa' ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Y arriba, y arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré

Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba

Bamba, bamba

Overall Meaning

In Ritchie Valens's "La Bamba," the singer is calling on everyone to dance the bamba, a traditional Mexican dance that originated in Veracruz. The first few lines of the song emphasize the need for grace, suggesting that even those who are not skilled dancers can still partake in the festivities. The song continues with the singer proclaiming that he is not a sailor, but rather a captain, showcasing his confidence and authority. Throughout the song, the refrain repeats, encouraging everyone to dance and rise up. The promise of the singer to dance for the person he is addressing is a nod to the social nature of this dance, often performed with partners or groups.


This song has become incredibly popular, with countless covers and adaptations to other musical genres. One of the reasons behind its enduring popularity may be its infectious, upbeat melody and rhythm, which are incredibly easy to dance along to. Another reason may be its representation of Mexican culture, which resonates with many people around the world. Ritchie Valens was a pioneer in the Chicano rock and roll movement, and this song showcases his ability to blend traditional Mexican musical styles with rock music.


Line by Line Meaning

Para bailar La Bamba
In order to dance to La Bamba


Para bailar La Bamba
In order to dance to La Bamba


Se necesita una poca de gracia
One needs a little bit of grace


Una poca de gracia
A little bit of grace


Pa' mí, pa' ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
For me, for you, go up, go up


Y arriba, y arriba
And up, and up


Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré
For you I will be, for you I will be, for you I will be


Yo no soy marinero
I am not a sailor


Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán
I am not a sailor, I am a captain


Soy capitán, soy capitán
I am a captain, I am a captain


Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba


Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba


Bamba, bamba, bam
Bamba, bamba, bam




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Rotana Publishing s.a.r.l., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ritchie Valens

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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