El Manisero
Bebo Valdés Lyrics

The lyrics to Bebo Valdés's song El Manisero tell the story of a manisero or peanut vendor who walks the streets singing his song and selling his roasted peanuts. The chorus invites people to enjoy a delicious and warm cone of peanuts, promising that once they taste it, they won't want anything else. The song also features a warning to a caserita, or young woman, not to go to bed without trying the peanuts first because she will regret it later. The verse goes on to describe how the manisero sings his song when he walks alone at night, and how he is able to touch the hearts of those who listen to him. Finally, the story comes to a conclusion with a young woman calling out to the manisero from her balcony, asking him for some peanuts because she won't be able to sleep without them.

El Manisero is more than just a playful and catchy tune, however. It is considered one of the most famous and influential Cuban songs of all time. Its composer, Moisés Simons, was a pianist and composer from Cuba who moved to the United States in the early twentieth century. He wrote the song in 1928, inspired by the sounds of a peanut vendor he heard while walking through the streets of New York City. The song was an instant success, and in the years that followed, it was recorded by numerous artists and became one of the most recognizable tunes of the time.

Today, El Manisero remains an important piece of Cuban cultural heritage, and it is often played during festivals and celebrations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to capture the spirit and essence of a place and time. The song has also been covered by artists from around the world and has been used in numerous films and TV shows.