Though born in Tarrago… Read Full Bio ↴Carmen París Mondaray is an Aragonese singer.
Though born in Tarragona, Carmen París grew up in Utebo, a place close to Zaragoza. In her music she combines the traditional Aragonese music Jota, the Flamenco, Andalusian music, jazz, and other forms of music.
Her first album "Pa' mi genio" sold 40000 copies and received brilliant reviews, but she was labeled as being "just" a musician of Jota. With her second album, she clearly stated: "That'll be it for Jotera". Carmen París does not consider herself solely a Jota musician, but a drunkard of musical styles, even though her work always starts from some torn-out Aragonese roots. She has participated in a number of compilations, among them homages to Joaquín Sabina or Pablo Neruda.
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Carmen París Mondaray (Tarragona) es una cantante aragonesa.
Aunque nacida en Tarragona, Carmen París se crió en Utebo, localidad próxima a Zaragoza. En su música fusiona la jota aragonesa, el flamenco, la música andalusí, el jazz y otras corrientes musicales.
Con su primer disco (Pa' mi genio) vendió 40.000 copias y recibió estupendas críticas, aunque fue tachada de "jotera", En su segundo disco, contestó con una firme afirmación: Jotera lo serás tú. Carmen París no se considera jotera sino una bebedora de estilos, aunque siempre partiendo desde una raíz aragonesa y desgarrada. Ha participado en numerosos recopilatorios, entre ellos los discos de homenaje a Joaquín Sabina y a Pablo Neruda.
Discografía
1. Pa' mi genio. 2002.
2. Jotera lo serás tú. 2005.
Zaragoza La Romana
Carmen París Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Que aunque parezca lejano
Albergo la convivencia
Fue luz del saber humano
Perdidos en el recuerdo
Sus antiguos moradores
El cruce de muchos pueblos
Zaragoza, la romana
Mora de la morería
Cristiana y también judía
Música de muchas gentes
Trepando por mis balcones
Mezclada en la algarabía
Para ti, mi inspiración
Querido barrio del Gancho
Prendido de mis canciones
Tambores, palos y rumbas
Recorren tus callejones
Perdidos en el recuerdo
Tus antiguos moradores
El cruce de muchos pueblos
Que modelaron tu identidad
Zaragoza, la romana
Mora de la morería
Cristiana y también judía
Música de muchas gentes
Trepando por mis balcones
Mezclada en la algarabía
Para ti, mi inspiración
Zaragoza, la romana
Mora de la morería
Cristiana y también judía
Música de muchas gentes
Trepando por mis balcones
Mezclada en la algarabía
Para ti, mi inspiración
The lyrics of Carmen París's song "Zaragoza la romana" are a beautiful homage to the rich history and cultural diversity of the city of Zaragoza. The singer describes coming to sing about a time that may seem distant but which holds the essence of coexistence and enlightenment that contributed to human knowledge. The mention of this time as a "light of human knowledge" suggests a period of flourishing intellect and exchange among different peoples.
The singer reflects on the past inhabitants of Zaragoza, who are now lost in memory but whose legacy lives on in the city's identity. It speaks to the blending of many cultures and traditions that have shaped Zaragoza into the vibrant and diverse place it is today. The crossing of various peoples and their influences is highlighted as a pivotal factor in defining the character of the city.
The mention of Zaragoza as "la romana" pays homage to its Roman origins, while also acknowledging its Moorish, Christian, and Jewish influences throughout history. The city is portrayed as a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds, with music being a unifying force that transcends boundaries. The imagery of music climbing up balconies and mingling in the cacophony of sounds paints a vivid picture of a city alive with the rhythms of its diverse population.
The lyrics further delve into the specific neighborhood of Gancho, known for its music and lively atmosphere. Drum beats, percussion, and rumba music reverberate through the narrow alleyways, creating a sensory experience that embodies the essence of Zaragoza's cultural tapestry. The singer expresses a deep connection to this neighborhood and its musical heritage, emphasizing the importance of honoring the past while embracing the present. Overall, the song celebrates Zaragoza's multicultural heritage, eclectic music scene, and the spirit of inspiration that the city continues to evoke for the artist.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo vengo a cantarle a un tiempo
I come to sing to a time
Que aunque parezca lejano
That although it seems distant
Albergo la convivencia
It harbors coexistence
Fue luz del saber humano
It was the light of human knowledge
Querido barrio del Gancho
Beloved neighborhood of Gancho
Prendido de mis canciones
Captivated by my songs
Tambores, palos y rumbas
Drums, sticks, and rumbas
Recorren tus callejones
They roam through your alleyways
Zaragoza, la romana
Zaragoza, the Roman
Mora de la morería
Muslim of the Muslim quarter
Cristiana y también judía
Christian and also Jewish
Música de muchas gentes
Music of many people
Trepando por mis balcones
Climbing up my balconies
Mezclada en la algarabía
Mixed in the commotion
Para ti, mi inspiración
For you, my inspiration
Writer(s): Carmen Paris Mondaray, Gustavo Pascual Falco
Contributed by Caroline R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.