The name Caifanes is derived from 1940’s Mexican Pachuco (zoot suiter) slang "Cai fan" , it’s equivalent in English would be something like, “cool dude.” The word has also been used to describe the proverbial Mexican Pachuco, delinquent, or outsider.
Early Years:
The seeds of what was to later become Caifanes was planted in 1984 in the band Las Insolitas Imágenes de Aurora (Aurora's Unusual Images), a band that included Saúl Hernández, Alfonso André and Alejandro Marcovich. According to Marcovich, this project started out as a side project for the purpose of performing as a party band for the filming of his brother’s Carlos film projects. (Carlos Marcovich went on to direct various videos for Caifanes).
At the time, both Hernández and Marcovich were playing in different bands. The members enjoyed the experience of playing in "Insolitas" and decided to continue. As the seriousness of the project grew, the band began to play in different spots in Mexico City like Rockotitlán, High Tower, and El Jabalí. In May of 1986, Insolitas recorded a live demo performed at Rockotitlán. By then the band had developed a strong cult following in Mexico City.
"Insólitas" broke up in 1986. Saúl and Alfonso reformed as Caifanes with bass player/producer Sabo Romo and Diego Herrera on keyboards and sax.
Caifanes’ first live show was April 11, 1987, in Rockotitlán. Expectations were high, the building was filled to capacity and many people were left outside. Their popularity began to grow throughout Mexico City. By late 1987 Caifanes had carved a niche for themselves as a dark contrast to the corporate pop/rock and light ballads that dominated Mexican radio and television during the 1980’s. At times the image and the sound were considered radical for a very conservative Mexican music industry. Between December 28, 1986 and January 3, 1987 Juan Aceves produced a four song demo for the band using "free" studio time at night at Arco Studio (where Aceves was chief engineer). The demo was showcased in independent radio program Espacio 59 (Space 59), a show that promoted up and coming rock bands. With the demo under their arms Caifanes approached CBS Mexico. According to sources, Caifanes’ were not treated nicely. The musical director at the time shunned them for dark new wave attire and said, “You look like fags.” At the time, Caifanes’ sound and look was influenced by British post-punk groups such as The Cure and The Jesus and Mary Chain. They dressed in black suits and sported frizzly hair and makeup. This was too radical for the Mexican CBS executives. Upon hearing the demo of “Sera Por Eso?” (Is It Because of That?), the CBS executive uttered these words, “At CBS, our business is to sell records, not coffins.”
Nevertheless, the movement of Rock en Español (Spanish rock) or rock en tu idioma (Rock in your language) was too strong to ignore by record execs. The flood of groups from Spain and Argentina forced Mexican labels to take a second look at up-and-coming Mexican bands. Caifanes received a big break when Ariola records invited them to open for Argentinean rocker Miguel Mateos’ Mexico City show. The show brought Cafaines to the attention of Miguel Mateos’ producer Oscar "Cachorro" Lopez. Oscar fell in love with the band and took them to the studio to record a demo. Lopez would be instrumental in their signing to RCA-Ariola and would go on to produce their first two albums.
Caifanes’ debut album, the self-titled Caifanes (also known as Mátenme Porque Me Muero, or Volumen I) was released in August 1988 by RCA-Ariola. The LP was preceded by an EP made up of three songs. This was in order to test the market. The immediate sale of 300,000 copies of the EP cemented the bands appeal. The first single “Mátenme Porque Me Muero” ("Kill Me Because I'm Dying") became a minor hit in Mexico City. With the release of their first album Caifanes became notable trendsetters in and around central Mexico. The first three singles garnered sufficient radio play. In December of 1988 Caifanes released a cover of Cuban folk singer Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe’s classic tropical dance song, “La Negra Tomasa,” (Black Girl Tomasa) as a maxi Single es: La negra Tomasa. The song was a massive hit in Mexico and introduced Caifanes to a wider audience nationally and abroad.
Mexico’s Most Important Band:
By 1989 Caifanes had emerged as one of the hottest rock acts to come from central Mexico. In June Caifanes played two sold out shows at Mexico’s Auditorio Nacional (National Auditorium), a 10,000 person venue – a first for a Mexican rock band.
In late 1989 Caifanes began to record their second album in New York City. The record was produced by Oscar Lopez who was aided by Gustavo Santaolalla and Daniel Freiberg. El Diablito (The Little Devil) was released in July of 1990 through BMG Records. The most notable change for the band was the addition of former Insolitas guitarist Alejandro Marcovich. Marcovich’s textural guitar work considerably changed Caifanes’ sound and cemented the “classic” Mexican rock sound that Caifanes became famous for. “La Celula Que Explota” (The Exploding Cell), with its brushes of mariachi and bolero guitars and a crescendo of mariachi trumpets became both a signature of the band as well as a massive hit. Hernandez’ lyrics and somber vocals complemented Marcovich’s lyrical playing. The haunting “Sombras en Tiempos Perdidos” (Shadows in Times Lost) and the ethereal “De Noche Todos Los Gatos Son Pardos” (All Cats Are Dark at Night), give the album a most sublime imprint.
By this time Caifanes along with Maná, Fobia, Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio, La Lupita, and Cafe Tacuba helped to move Mexican Rock toward a wider audience and catapulted the Rock En Español movement of the 1990’s.
In 1992, Caifanes released El Silencio (The Silence). Recorded in Wisconsin and produced by the prolific guitarist Adrian Belew, of King Crimson fame, "El Silencio" further cemented the Caifanes sound and had and a more direct guitar driven sound. “No Dejes Que” (Don’t Let It...”), “Estás Dormida” (You’re Asleep), “Debajo de Tu Piel” (Under Your Skin), and the soaring “Nubes” (Clouds) would go on to become Mexican rock staples. The influence of Belew, who also played guitar on the album, was felt strongest in “Hasta Morir” (Until Death), “Tortuga” (Turtle), and “Vamos a Hacer un Silencio” (Lets Make a Silence). With its string of hits, its multi-ethnic hybrid of rock and traditional Mexican music, El Silencio is considered to be on of Caifanes’ best albums and one of the most influential records of the Rock En Español genre.
Caifanes toured extensively in support of the album. By this time, the group had started to make inroads into Central and South America as well as in the United States. In August of 1992 Caifanes sold out the Hollywood Palladium. In 1993 Caifanes became the first Mexican rock group to sell out Mexico City's Palacio de los Deportes (Sports Palace).
By late 1993 Caifanes became a three piece with the exit of Romo and Herrera. Federico Fong and Stuart Hamm filled in on bass and Yann Zaragoza played the keyboard. No one knew what to expect of Caifanes after the loss of two founding members. 1994’s El Nervio Del Volcán (The Volcano’s Nerve), released by BMG exceeded the expectations of both critics and fans alike. El Nervio showed Caifanes at the height of their power. With a heavier more progressive sound, "El Nervio" highlighted the musician’s virtuosity as well as their tight playing and arrangements. Signature elements, Marcovich’s staccato guitar work, Alfonso’s polyrythmic drumming and Hernandez’s brooding and haunting vocal style were even more prominent. “Afuera” the first single seamlessly fused distinct rock grooves with an ethnic inspired guitar solo. “Aquí no es así” (“It’s Not Like That Here”), and "Ayer Me Dijo Un Ave" (“A Bird Told Me Yesterday”) became radio favorites. “Aviéntame” (Throw Me), is as dynamic and powerful as the best American and British prog and alternative acts.
1994 was a stellar year for Caifanes, who were at the height of their popularity. Caifanes along with Maná was one of Mexico's premier stadium rock acts, selling out stadiums in Mexico and large venues throughout Latin America and the United States. At this time Caifanes had cemented their reputation as one of the most important Mexican rock bands of all time. They were a staple in Latin MTV, Rock en Español radio and appeared regularly at music festivals. In 1994, Caifanes opened up for The Rolling Stones in Mexico City and participated in Peter Gabriel's WOMAD festival.
Breakup:
1995 would mark the end of Caifanes. According to various sources, Hernández and Marcovich’s relationship was strained. On the 18th of August 1995 Caifanes played their final show in the Mexican city of San Luis Potosí. A legal scuffle over the name “Caifanes” ensued forcing Saúl Hernández to choose the name Jaguares (Jaguars) for his new project, which built on the legacy of Caifanes, as it was not too much of a radical departure of the Caifanes sound. Hernández was joined by former Caifanes and Insolitas drummer Alfonso André.
Reunion:
On December 14th, 2010, it was announced by Twitter that the band would be reuniting for the Vive Latino festival and the Coachella Festival of 2011, after a reconciliation between Hernández and Marcovich.
Some of Caifanes' Guest Musicians and Collaborators:
Chucho Merchán (bass), Federico Fong (bass), José Manuel Aguilera (guitar), Stuart Hamm (bass), Gustavo Cerati (guitar), Adrian Belew (guitar), Yann Zaragoza (keyboards), Cecilia Toussaint (backing vocals).
Studio Albums:
Caifanes or, (Mátenme Porque Me Muero / Volumen 1) (1988)
El Diablito or, Volumen 2 (1990)
El Silencio (1992)
El Nervio Del Volcán (1994)
Te Estoy Mirando
Caifanes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Olvídate de tus misterios de una razón
Enciérrame en tus suspiros en tus sueños
Ráptame, rompamos juntos esta evasión
Empújame, al abismo que hay en tí
Atrévete a hacer historias, junto a mí
Enséñame, las cosas que nunca entendí
y déjame hacerlo todo solo una vez
y clávame en tu cabecera
y déjame donde no me olvides
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es un hábito
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es como un soplo al corazón
In the song Te Estoy Mirando by Caifanes, the lyrics are a plea to come together physically and emotionally, to forget our personal mysteries and reasons and instead embrace the shared mystery of connection. The singer invites the listener to take him to the abyss within themselves, to engage in new experiences and to teach him things he never understood. At the same time, there is a desire to be remembered, to be kept close, even after the physical connection has ended.
The lyrics are deep and sensual, encouraging the listener to indulge in the pleasures of the moment, to let go of all inhibitions, and to simply exist in the intensity of the now. The phrase "Te estoy mirando" which translates to "I'm watching you" was also used as a sort of mantra in the song, repeated numerous times throughout the piece, further emphasizing the intense, penetrating gaze likened to the way the singer is observing and feeling the person he is singing to.
Some of the themes in the song are quite universal for the band, such as mysticism, spirituality, and the seductive allure of the unknown. These are typical subjects often found in the band's music, making for a song that both fascinates and provokes thought. It's an emotional, melancholy piece that explores the depths of love and human connection, and leaves a lasting impression.
Line by Line Meaning
Acércate, juntemos pieles formando sombras
Come closer, let's entwine our skins, creating shadows
Olvídate de tus misterios de una razón
Forget your mysteries of a reason
Enciérrame en tus suspiros en tus sueños
Imprison me in your sighs and dreams
Ráptame, rompamos juntos esta evasión
Abduct me, let's break this evasion together
Empújame, al abismo que hay en tí
Push me to the abyss within you
Atrévete a hacer historias, junto a mí
Dare to make stories, with me
Enséñame, las cosas que nunca entendí
Teach me the things I never understood
y déjame hacerlo todo solo una vez
And let me do it all alone, just once
y clávame en tu cabecera
And nail me to your headboard
y déjame donde no me olvides
And leave me where you won't forget me
Te estoy mirando
I'm watching you
Ya no hay materia
There's no matter anymore
Es un vicio, es un hábito
It's an addiction, it's a habit
Te estoy mirando
I'm watching you
Ya no hay materia
There's no matter anymore
Es un vicio, es como un soplo al corazón
It's an addiction, it's like a breath to the heart
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SAUL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@abigailortiz2085
Acércate, juntemos pieles formando sombras
Olvídate de tus misterios de una razón
Enciérrame en tus suspiros en tus sueños
Ráptame, rompamos juntos esta evasión
Empújame, al abismo que hay en ti
Atrévete a hacer historias, junto a mí
Enséñame, las cosas que nunca entendí
Y déjame hacerlo todo solo una vez
Y clávame en tu cabecera
Y déjame donde no me olvides
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es un hábito
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es como un soplo al corazón, al corazón
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es un hábito
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es como un soplo al corazón
Translate to English
@gissellecerezoanaya5nto.se526
Te estoy mirando
Caifanes
Acércate, juntemos pieles formando sombras
Olvídate de tus misterios de una razón
Enciérrame en tus suspiros en tus sueños,
Ráptame, rompamos juntos esta evasión.
Empújame, al abismo que hay en tí...
Atr'vete a hacer historias, junto a mí
Enséñame, las cosas que nunca entendí
Y déjame hacerlo todo solo una vez
Y clávame en tu cabecera
Y déjame donde no me olvides
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es un hábito
Te estoy mirando
Ya no hay materia
Es un vicio, es como un soplo al corazón
@jaimecadenas5455
soy salvadoreño, esta es mi mejor banda no hay otra como esta ni lo habra no se compara con tanta basura de musica de sta epoca saludos a mexico gran pais
@JoseLuisMora-oj4ew
Saludos valedor salvadoreño... Caifas hasta morir desde México
@palomamoraguerrerophotography
Una de las mejores rolas de la historia del rock en nuestro idioma. Tengo la suerte de llevar el sonido entre mis mejores recuerdos. Mi estudio de fotografia cuando sali de la Escuela Activa de Coyoacan en los 90's, se iba a llamar "Te estoy mirando" por esta cancion
@luisrodriguez-tj8lb
Yo tengo la suerte de tener ese famoso disco blanco de caifanes.
Buenos recuerdos.
@A.Alegria
De la historia*
@elprotadesecsolapelicula7509
@@luisrodriguez-tj8lb que envidia
@firefirepewpew9046
Me hubiese gustado tanto verlos en vivo en sus tiempos maravillosos :) son y serán mi banda favorita por siempre.
@palomamoraguerrerophotography
el palacio de los deportes en los 90's!!! ahi estuve! Son eternos
@chrisbarroman3720
Los mejores de su tiempo y por siempre
@lidiapineda9000
Te hubiera encantado...