A Rock and Roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens' recording career lasted only eight months. During this time, however, he scored several hits, most notably "La Bamba", which was originally a Mexican folk song that Valens transformed with a rock rhythm and beat that became a hit in 1958 Read Full BioRitchie Valens (born Richard Steven Valenzuela; on 13 May 1941 in Pacoima, California, USA – February 3, 1959) was a Mexican American singer, songwriter and guitarist.
A Rock and Roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens' recording career lasted only eight months. During this time, however, he scored several hits, most notably "La Bamba", which was originally a Mexican folk song that Valens transformed with a rock rhythm and beat that became a hit in 1958, making Valens a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement.
Valens died in a plane crash outside Clear Lake, Iowa while on the Winter Dance Party tour. Also killed in the crash were the pilot of the plane and rock and roll stars Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. The song American Pie, by Don McLean is a tribute to the three musicians who died, and a reflection of the changes in music since their deaths. In the song he calls the day of their death "the day the music died," a phrase that came from newspaper headlines that announced the tragedy on February 3, 1959
Brought up hearing traditional Mexican mariachi music, as well as flamenco guitar, R&B and jump blues, by the age of 5 he expressed an interest in making music of his own. He was encouraged by his father to take up guitar and trumpet, and it is also known that he later taught himself the drums. One day, a neighbour came across Ritchie trying to play a guitar that had only two strings. He re-strung the instrument, and taught Ritchie the fingerings of some chords. While Ritchie was left-handed, he was so eager to learn the guitar that he mastered the traditionally right-handed version of the instrument. By the time he was attending Pacoima Jr. High School, his proficiency on the guitar was such that he brought the instrument to school and would sing and play songs to his friends on the bleachers.
When he was sixteen years old, he was invited to join a local band named The Silhouettes as guitarist. Later on, the main vocalist left the group and Ritchie assumed this position as well. In addition to the performances with The Silhouettes, he would play solo at parties and other social gatherings.
A completely self-taught musician, Valenzuela was an accomplished singer and guitarist. At his appearances he often improvised new lyrics and added new riffs to popular songs while he was playing. This is an aspect of his music that is, sadly, not heard in his commercial studio recordings. Due to his high-energy performances, Valenzuela earned the nickname "The Little Richard of the Valley".
In 2002, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "La Bamba" was named one of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, "La Bamba" was named #345 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time.
La Bamba
Ritchie Valens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
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
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