Born in Ayacucho, Polo Campos is considered one of the best Peruvian composers of all time. He was author of innumerable popular international hits which represent the originality and richness of Peruvian identity with their melody and lyrics.
In 1933, his family went to reside in the city of Lima. They lived in the historical Rímac District, (also the name of Lima's most famous river). From an early age Augusto discovered a love and ability to recite and compose verses and rhymes.
His home was frequently visited by artists and singers who like to dance and sing Peruvian music, all of which would eventually influence and motivate the creativity of Polo Campos, who not much later would become a prolific and successful career as an admired composer whose songs would form part of the Peruvian traditions forever. He was in a controversy about authorship of the song "Cariño Malo", with Armando Manzanero, and APDAYC.
He never studied music and does not play any instrument, being a self-taught whose talent and intelligence has helped him to create many beautiful songs making him able to obtain a Guinness Record for been able to make a song in less than 2 minutes. One of his songs was included in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
He had a daughter (Flor) and a son Augusto Polo Campos, Jr.
His vals "Regresa" was a number one hit internationally for Peruvian singer Lucha Reyes, and again in an instrumental form for Peruvian electronic band Madre Matilda. "Regresa" was also the title track of an album by Los Violines de Lima in 1970.
Limeña
Augusto Polo Campos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
repican las castañuelas de tu tacón
pasito a paso vas caminando, por la vereda
que va entonando, como si fuera un bordón
compases de Marinera su cajón,
Boquita de caramelo cutis de seda
Magnolia que se ha escapado de la alameda
que enamorado llega hasta el cielo
perfumado de Jazmín,
para bailar Marineras por San Martín (bis)
In Augusto Polo Campos's song Limeña, the singer praises the traditional values and characteristics of a Limeña, a woman from Lima, Peru. The first line states that she has an "alma de tradición," which indicates that she embodies the customs and practices that have been passed down through generations. The sound of her castanets tapping on her heels can be heard as she walks step by step down the path, singing along to the rhythm of a Marinera. The Marinera is a popular traditional dance and music style in Peru that is often performed in competitions and festivals.
The second stanza describes the woman's physical appearance - a sweet mouth, soft skin, and a beautiful smile that is enhanced by the scent of jasmine. The imagery of a Magnolia that has escaped from the wooded area and the reference to her smile being like a handkerchief that reaches up to the sky give the listener a vivid impression of the woman's beauty. The song's final line indicates that the man singing the song is entranced by her charm and wants to dance the Marinera with her in the San Martín festival.
Overall, this song portrays a beautiful and admirable image of a Limeña, highlighting her traditional values, musical and dance abilities, and beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
Limeña que tienes alma de tradición,
Limeña, you embody the soul of tradition.
repican las castañuelas de tu tacón
The sound of castanets echoes from your heels.
pasito a paso vas caminando, por la vereda
You walk step by step along the street.
que va entonando, como si fuera un bordón
As though it were a drone, the path hums beneath your feet.
compases de Marinera su cajón,
Its box drum keeping time with the Marinera.
Boquita de caramelo cutis de seda
Mouth like candy, skin like silk,
Magnolia que se ha escapado de la alameda
A magnolia that has escaped the grove.
en tu sonrisa hay un pañuelo
In your smile there is a handkerchief
que enamorado llega hasta el cielo
That, besotted, rises to the heavens.
perfumado de Jazmín,
Perfumed with jasmine,
para bailar Marineras por San Martín (bis)
To dance Marineras in honor of Saint Martin.
Contributed by Taylor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.