Alto Songo
Afro-Cuban All Stars Lyrics

The song "Alto Songo" by Afro-Cuban All Stars is a tribute to the Alto Songo municipality located in the province of Santiago de Cuba. The opening repeated phrase "Alto songo se quema la maya" translates to "Alto Songo, burn the maya." The maya refers to the sugarcane fields that were set ablaze during the harvest season, which was a significant event in the region's history. The song also calls out other historic towns such as Cardenas, Placeta, and Cienfuegos, and celebrates the people who contributed to these towns' growth, whether they were lecheros (milkmen), carboneros (coalmen), boticarios (pharmacists), or funerarios (undertakers). The song concludes with the singer proclaiming that even though they're now in Havana and may be guided by a singer, they will never forget their roots and, specifically, the greatness of Alto Songo.

The song captures the pride and nostalgia that many Cubans feel toward their cultural heritage. The repeated and catchy hook "Alto Songo se quema la maya" serves as a rallying cry for those who want to pay homage to this small but influential part of Cuba's history. The song also highlights the importance of community and the role that everyday people played in building their towns and cities. Ultimately, the message of "Alto Songo" is that a sense of place and belonging can give one a strong foundation that can be called upon no matter where life takes them.