In 1950, Cruz made her first major breakthrough, after the lead singer of the La Sonora Matancera, a renowned Cuban orchestra, left the group and Cruz was called to fill in. Cruz was hired permanently by the orchestra, but she wasn't well accepted by the public at first. However, the orchestra stood by their decision, and soon Cruz became famous throughout Cuba. During the 15 years she was a member, the band traveled all over Latin America.
A Santa Bárbara
Celia Cruz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Para ti surge mi lira
Santa Bárbara bendita
Para ti surge mi lira
Y con emoción se inspira
Ante tu imagen bonita
Que viva changó Que viva changó
Que viva changó Señores
Con voluntad infinita
Arranco del corazón
La melodiosa expresion
Pidiendo que desde el cielo
Nos envies tu consuelo
Y tu santa bendición
Que viva changó Que viva changó
Que viva changó Señores
Virgen venerada y pura
Santa Bárbara bendita
Virgen venerada y pura
Santa Bárbara bendita
Nuestra oración favorita
Llevamos hasta tu altura
Que viva changó Que viva changó
Que viva changó Señores
Con alegría y ternura
Quiero llevar mi trovada
Allá en tu mansión sagrada
Donde lo bueno ilumina
Junto a tu copa divina
Y tu santisima espada
Que viva changó Que viva changó
Que viva changó Señores
En nombre de mi nación
Santa Bárbara te pido
En nombre de mi nación
Santa Bárbara te pido
Que riegues con tu fluido
Tu sagrada bendición
Que viva changó Que viva changó
Que viva changó Señores
Yo tambien de corazón
Te dare mi murmurío
Con orgullo y poderío
Chango yo te felicito
Que en el nombre de tu olla
Este saludo te envio
Que viva changó Que viva changó
Que viva changó Señores
The lyrics to Celia Cruz's song A Santa Bárbara are a beautiful homage to the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería and its patroness, Saint Barbara. Santería is a syncretic religion that developed in Cuba during the 19th century when African slaves were brought to the island and forcibly converted to Catholicism by their Spanish colonizers. To preserve their African traditions and beliefs, the slaves merged their religions with the Catholicism they were taught, resulting in Santería.
The lyrics of the song express the deep reverence and devotion that Santería devotees feel towards Saint Barbara, who is often associated with lightning and thunder. The song speaks of taking inspiration and emotional inspiration from Saint Barbara's image, asking for her blessing and protection from the heavens, and offering prayers of gratitude and celebration.
The repeated calls to "Que viva changó" are a direct reference to Changó, one of the gods of the Santería pantheon who is associated with thunder, lightning, and fire. In Santería, Changó is often depicted holding a double-headed axe or machete and is revered for his strength, virility, and power. Overall, the lyrics to A Santa Bárbara are a beautiful tribute to the rich cultural traditions and beliefs that make up Santería.
Line by Line Meaning
Santa Bárbara bendita
The singer is paying homage to Saint Barbara, as she is inspired to write a song in her honor.
Para ti surge mi lira
The singer's inspiration for this song comes from Saint Barbara, and she sings with passion and emotion.
Y con emoción se inspira
The singer is moved by the beauty of Saint Barbara, and the lyrics come to life with deep emotion.
Ante tu imagen bonita
The singer is captivated by the beauty of Saint Barbara's image, and is inspired to create this song for her.
Que viva changó Que viva changó Que viva changó Señores
The singer is expressing her admiration for the African god Changó, and hoping that he will bring blessings to all who follow him.
Con voluntad infinita
The singer is expressing her desire to pour her whole heart and soul into this song, with unwavering determination and focus.
Arranco del corazón
The singer is metaphorically 'pulling' this song from deep within her heart and soul, with great passion and intensity.
La melodiosa expresion
The singer is describing the melodic expression of this song, which is beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time.
Pidiendo que desde el cielo
The singer is asking Saint Barbara to send blessings and comfort from heaven, in response to this song of tribute.
Nos envies tu consuelo
The singer is asking for comfort and rest from Saint Barbara's divine power, to help ease the pain and suffering of her people.
Y tu santa bendición
The singer is asking for Saint Barbara's holy blessing, to shower her people with love, protection, and happiness.
Virgen venerada y pura
The singer is honoring Saint Barbara as a revered and pure virgin, whose blessings are highly sought-after by her devoted followers.
Nuestra oración favorita
The singer is expressing the hope that Saint Barbara will hear and answer their favorite prayer, which she offers with deep respect and devotion.
Llevamos hasta tu altura
The singer is metaphorically 'lifting' this song up to the height of Saint Barbara, as a way of showing honor, respect, and love.
Con alegría y ternura
The singer is expressing her happiness and tenderness towards Saint Barbara, whose love and blessings are a source of great comfort and joy.
Quiero llevar mi trovada
The singer wants to 'carry' this song to the holy mansion of Saint Barbara, where it will be heard and celebrated by all who love her.
Allá en tu mansión sagrada
The singer is referring to the divine home of Saint Barbara, which is considered to be a holy and sacred place of worship and devotion.
Donde lo bueno ilumina
The singer is describing the beauty and goodness of Saint Barbara's divine presence, which lights up the world with love and happiness.
Junto a tu copa divina
The singer is honoring Saint Barbara's iconic 'divine cup,' which symbolizes her power, wisdom, and grace.
Y tu santisima espada
The singer is referring to Saint Barbara's holy sword, which symbolizes her strength and valor in defending the helpless and the oppressed.
En nombre de mi nación
The singer is offering this song as a tribute to Saint Barbara on behalf of her entire nation, as a way of showing their deep reverence and love for this inspiring figure.
Santa Bárbara te pido
The singer is making a heartfelt request to Saint Barbara, asking for her blessings, guidance, and grace in all of life's challenges and struggles.
Que riegues con tu fluido
The singer is asking Saint Barbara to shower her people with her divine 'fluid,' which represents her power and blessings in matters of health, love, and happiness.
Tu sagrada bendición
The singer is asking for Saint Barbara's 'sacred blessing,' which is an expression of her divine love, protection, and guidance in all of life's journeys.
Yo tambien de corazón
The singer is expressing her own heartfelt love and devotion towards Saint Barbara, as she joins with her people in honoring this inspiring figure.
Te dare mi murmurío
The singer is offering Saint Barbara her own 'whispering' prayer, as a way of showing her deep respect and devotion for this inspiring figure.
Con orgullo y poderío
The singer is declaring her own pride and strength as a follower of Saint Barbara, and expressing her deep admiration and love for this powerful and inspiring figure.
Chango yo te felicito
The singer is expressing her admiration and congratulations towards the god Changó, who is also worshipped and honored by her people as a source of divine power and inspiration.
Que en el nombre de tu olla
The singer is referring to the 'pot' of Changó, which symbolizes his divine power and blessings, and asking that Saint Barbara's blessings also fall upon her people in the same way.
Este saludo te envio
The singer is sending this song as a heartfelt greeting and tribute to Saint Barbara, as a way of showing her deep love, respect, and admiration for this inspiring figure.
Writer(s): Reutilio Dominguez, Celina Gonzalez
Contributed by Chloe B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alexandrosantiago462
Remembering the time I seen Celia Cruz at 116 street in Pleasant avenue going to my mothers office where my mother Edith Santiago had her summer youth jobs for everybody missing them both dearly may they rest in peace amen 🙏🏿…..
@noemimartinez3889
She always been the Soul of Latine 🎶 . I needed to hear this morning 🌄 🙏🏻. Amen love ❤️ this Lady. 🤗😆😊
@grayibe
le puse Barbara a mi hija en tu honor santa,,desde españa ,,,soy blanca,,pero les tengo fe a estos santos,,gracias por protegernos,,viva chango!
@martymcfly1951
No mame
@antoniozayas1894
Hay, que mucha falta me siento sin la reina Celia Cruz!!!
@006jerry1
Arriba cuba 🇨🇺 soy mexicano algún día me gustaría ir a cuba ☺️☺️☺️
@williamvanegas2209
Ahyoip
@neldoburgueno8590
Celia Cruz fue, es y sera nuestra REYNA negra de la musica cubana. En paz decanse y algun dia, no muy lejano, podamos hacerle un merecido homenaje en La Habana y que un busto suyo adorne algun rincon de nuestra capital.
@josecastillo7019
+Neldo Burgueño amen que asi sea
@Nan.C
AZUCAR!!! Asi es!