Lara's first musical composition was "Marucha," written in honour of one of his first loves. In 1927 he already was working in cabarets. He subsequently moved to Puebla, but returned to the capital in 1929. That same year he started working for the tenor Juan Arvizu as composer and accompanist. In September 1930, he began a successful radio career. At the same time he acted and composed songs for such films as Santa (1931).
In 1933 Lara's first tour in Cuba was a failure because of political turmoil on the island. Later, more successful tours in South America, as well as such new compositions as "Solamente Una Vez" (composed in Buenos Aires and dedicated to José Mujica), "Veracruz", "Tropicana", and "Pecadora" increased his fame. Lara was also known for his love affairs with various women, among them María Félix, who became one of his many wives, and to whom he dedicated his most famous compositions, such as "María Bonita", "Aquel Amor" and "Noche de Ronda." He wrote more than 700 songs.
By the beginning of the 1940s, Lara was well-known in Spain. In 1965, the Spanish Caudillo Francisco Franco gave him a beautiful house in Granada in appreciation of his songs with Spanish themes, such as "Toledo", "Granada", "Seville", and "Madrid". He received additional honors and decorations from around the world.
It is said that Lara never learned musical notation.
In 1968 Lara's health began to decline rapidly; an accident that fractured his pelvis further aggravated his condition. On November 6, 1970, the musician-poet died. He was buried in the Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres of the Panteón de Dolores in Mexico City.
Nowadays, in the port of Veracruz, there is a nostalgic place for El Flaco de Oro’s followers: La Casita Blanca ("The Little White House"). From this museum and bohemian corner, the ocean waves can be heard, and the romantic sense of the Veracruzans is evident. Younger and older generations express their emotion while singing "Piensa en mí" ("Think about me") in homage to one who always loved his country.
Agustín Lara sang for his cousin Edward Lara's wedding to Graciela Chabolla Garcia (who then became Graciela Chabolla de Lara) in Mexico City in 1964.
He is survived and celebrated by his extensive family. The Lara family and its musical roots now extend from southern and central Mexico to California. (His cousin Francisco Lara (+), Trinidad Lara (+) nephew Armando Lara Sr,(Coroba Veracruz) (+) niece Arminda Paula Lara DeHoyos (Laredo TX), Adolfo Lara (+), Gelacio Lara (+), Roberto Lara, Herminia Lara, Zenon Lara, Socorro Lara, Antonio Lara, Lesvia Lara, Victor Lara( (NL MEX) Manuel Lara, Edward Lara, Rocio Lara, Eduardo Alejandro Lara, Gerardo Lara) and Wisconsin (Edward Manuel Lara and his wife Mary Lou Lara) in the U.S.
Santa
Agustín Lara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
de mi desconsuelo
tú has sido la estrella
que alumbró mi cielo.
Y yo he adivinado
tu rara hermosura
y has iluminado
Santa, santa mía
mujer que brilla
en mi existencia
Santa, sé mi guía
en el triste calvario del vivir.
Aparta de mi senda
todas las espinas
calienta con tus besos
mi desilusión.
Santa, sé mi guía
alumbra con tu luz
mi corazón.
The song "Santa" by Agustin Lara is a romantic ballad that tells the story of a man who was once in a state of sadness and despair in the eternal night of his loneliness until he met someone who became the "star" that illuminated his dark sky. He describes this person as having rare beauty, and their presence in his life has illuminated all the darkness that was once there. The person he is speaking to directly is referred to as "Santa," which means "saint" in Spanish, reinforcing the idea that this person is a savior-like figure in his life.
The singer goes on to ask Santa to guide him through the unfortunate journey of life, and to help him make his way through the thorns on the path of life. He asks for her support and affection in overcoming his disappointment in life, and to light up his heart with her love. The lyrics evoke a sense of hope and love, with Santa being the guiding force in the man's journey towards happiness.
Overall, "Santa" is a beautiful love song that highlights the importance of finding a person who can guide us through difficult times in life, and how their love and affection can shine a light during our darkest moments.
Line by Line Meaning
En la eterna noche
In the everlasting darkness
de mi desconsuelo
of my despair
tú has sido la estrella
you have been the star
que alumbró mi cielo.
that illuminated my sky.
Y yo he adivinado
And I have discovered
tu rara hermosura
your rare beauty
y has iluminado
and you have illuminated
toda mi negrura.
all of my darkness.
Santa, santa mía
Saint, my saint
mujer que brilla
woman who shines
en mi existencia
in my existence
Santa, sé mi guía
Saint, be my guide
en el triste calvario del vivir.
in the sad plight of life.
Aparta de mi senda
Remove from my path
todas las espinas
all the thorns
calienta con tus besos
warm with your kisses
mi desilusión.
my disillusionment.
Santa, sé mi guía
Saint, be my guide
alumbra con tu luz
light up with your light
mi corazón.
my heart.
Contributed by Jordyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@marcelocarrasco5378
Casi un poema místico. Grande El Flaco, colosal.
@jaimerubio1781
Para mí una de las mejores canciones del maestro Lara,qué bárbaro.
@marcosrobertomarino8924
Desde jovem fui fan das composiçoes deste mexicano. Essa musica e letra sao de uma inspiraçao muito grande.
@vdsilva6806
Mis Padres iban a las tradiadas en Oakland California en donde comenzaban y terminaban la pachanga con esta canción en 1951-52.
@Dario058
Wow....me transporta al tiempo de mi abuelo y mi difunto padre...que gran melodía
@javierolvera7594
Mi padre sintonizaba su programa (Agustin Lara) todos los dias, al medio diá, por la XEW.
Por eso recuerdo gran parte de sus melodias ...y las recuerdo con gusto.
@maurallamas2440
Escuchando a este gran poeta su voz su piano y la cansion me recuerda cuando era chica habia un programa en XEQ una la hora de Agustin Lara. Ya apagada la luz. Mi padre mis 5 hermanos y yo en camita listos para dormir en cuanto se acababa el programa mi padre apagaba el radio felices y hermosos tiempos gracias a Dios y que a este poeta Dios lo tenga en su santa Gloria
@mtra.almaramirez7218
Afortunada ❤
@benitomack6506
Qué inspiración Dios mío la del flaco de oro. Seguro está en el cielo, descanse en paz.
@jacobomora3962
Que chulada de cancion...