They reached stardom in 1969 after various shows including Mar del Plata, Festival de la cancion in Peru, and Festival Pinap. This is also the year their most influential LP came out, titled 'Almendra', with songs that would stay forever in the history of Argentinean rock, including 'Muchacha (Ojos de Papel)','Color Humano' and 'Plegaria para un Niño Dormido, a beautiful lullaby. The band split in 1970, in three new bands: Aquelarre, Pescado Rabioso and Color Humano.
They had a short reunion in 1979, and then briefly reformed the band in 1980 to create a new album named El Valle Interior. They played their final concert as Almendra in 1981. Spinetta played with the entire band in 2009, along with all his other bands in a big concert that lasted 5 hours. Spinetta died in February 8th of 2012.
Almendra is also the name of a Venezuelan rock/fusion (latin/smooth Jazz) band that released a self titled album in 1978 and sequentially broke up.
Carmen
Almendra Lyrics
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No tiene padre
Pisa laureles
No ama a su madre
Algo pasa dentro de mí
Cuánto perdón
Debajo de tanta luna
Debajo de tanta luna
Algo pasa dentro de mí
Algo pasa en este lugar
Carmen es sucia
No tiene padre
Pisa laureles
No ama a su madre
Párate debajo de mi mano
Mira quién soy
Párate debajo de mi mano
Mira quién soy
Carmen es sucia
No tiene padre
Pisa laureles
No ama a su madre
The lyrics of the song "Carmen" by the Argentine rock band Almendra are emotionally heavy and thought-provoking. The song starts by describing Carmen as dirty, and without a father. She tramples on laurels and does not love her mother. The next lines say that something is happening inside of the singer. He talks about how much forgiveness there is inside him and how much greenery exists under so much moon. The singer goes back to saying that there is something happening inside him and in this place. The song repeats the first verse that describes Carmen as dirty, lacking a father, who tramples on laurels and does not love her mother.
The song can be interpreted in many ways, with some people believing Carmen represents a metaphorical figure representing society's overlooked individuals or those whose stories are not discussed. Others perceive the song as a criticism of social norms and expectations towards women, especially those who come from less privileged backgrounds. Some people believe that the song's repetitive lyrics act as a reminder of the powerful verses' impact more than once, emphasizing how strongly the words can resonate with the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Carmen es sucia
Carmen no es limpia, le falta higiene o limpieza en su apariencia o acciones.
No tiene padre
El padre de Carmen no está presente o no tiene importancia en su vida.
Pisa laureles
Carmen está pisando en la gloria o éxito, aun cuando no se lo merece.
No ama a su madre
La relación de Carmen con su madre no es buena, o tiene sentimientos negativos hacia ella.
Algo pasa dentro de mí
Siento una inquietud o incomodidad interna.
Cuánto perdón
Necesito perdonar a alguien o ser perdonado por algo.
Debajo de tanta luna
A pesar de las apariencias y la luz de la luna, algo oscuro está ocurriendo.
Cuánto verdor
Hay mucha vida, naturaleza o esperanza en algún lugar cercano.
Algo pasa en este lugar
Hay un ambiente extraño o inusual en este lugar donde me encuentro.
Párate debajo de mi mano
Acércate y presta atención a lo que te voy a decir o mostrarte.
Mira quién soy
Observa mi verdadera identidad o mis verdaderos sentimientos.
Contributed by Leo C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.