La Juanda
Chuck Berry Lyrics


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In Baya California
Down in Tijuana
La senorita come to me
She say "Mi nombre es La Jaunda"
I asked her would she care to dance
She looked at me and said "Como esta?"
I say "Hablo solo en Ingles
Why no comprendo Espanol"
I speak only the language of English
I don't understand Espanol

For a moment I took a notion
Then I went into a dancing motion
She nodded her head
"Yo mucho gusto" she said
And she danced with more devotion
When her cheek came close to mine
I could hear her softly whisper
She said "Habla solo la langua de Ingles
Why no comprenda Espanol"
I speak only the language of English
I don't understand Espanol

She placed her hand before my heart
And she whispered "Yo te amora"
With half - closed eyes
She raised her lips
And she said "Besame ahora"
She hold me close and she squeeze me tight
And she whispered " Yo quiero ahora"
I say "Hablo solo la langua de Ingles
No comprendo Espanol"




I speak only the language of English
I don't understand Espanol

Overall Meaning

Chuck Berry's song "La Juanda" is a story of a man's encounter with a woman named La Jaunda in Tijuana, Mexico. The singer is approached by La Jaunda, who introduces herself in Spanish, but when he reveals that he doesn't understand the language and only speaks English, she agrees to dance with him. As the night progresses, La Jaunda becomes more affectionate towards the singer, whispering sweet nothings and even trying to kiss him, but he continues to resist, stating that he only speaks the language of English and doesn't understand Spanish.


On a deeper level, the song is symbolic of the communication barriers that exist between people from different cultures and backgrounds. The singer represents the inability of some individuals to connect with others who are different from them, even if they are attracted to them. The language divide between the two characters is seen as a major hindrance to their romantic relationship.


The song is also significant for its depiction of Latino culture and music, with Berry incorporating elements of Mexican and Spanish music into his signature rock and roll sound. The lyrics are delivered in a spoken-word style with a touch of Spanish, adding to the authenticity of the story being told.


Line by Line Meaning

In Baya California
I am in Baja California


Down in Tijuana
Specifically, I am in the city of Tijuana


La senorita come to me
A woman approached me


She say "Mi nombre es La Jaunda"
She introduced herself as La Juanda


I asked her would she care to dance
I asked her if she would like to dance


She looked at me and said "Como esta?"
She asked me how I was doing


I say "Hablo solo en Ingles
I told her that I only speak English


Why no comprendo Espanol"
And that I do not understand Spanish


For a moment I took a notion
At first, I hesitated


Then I went into a dancing motion
But then I began to dance


She nodded her head
She gave me a sign of approval


"Yo mucho gusto" she said
She said "Nice to meet you."


And she danced with more devotion
She danced with more enthusiasm


When her cheek came close to mine
When she leaned in close to me


I could hear her softly whisper
I heard her whisper softly


She said "Habla solo la langua de Ingles
She said "You speak only the language of English"


Why no comprenda Espanol"
And that you do not understand Spanish


She placed her hand before my heart
She put her hand on my chest


And she whispered "Yo te amora"
And she whispered "I love you"


With half - closed eyes
She had her eyes half-closed


She raised her lips
She lifted up her lips


And she said "Besame ahora"
And she said "Kiss me now"


She hold me close and she squeeze me tight
She held me close and hugged me tightly


And she whispered "Yo quiero ahora"
And she whispered "I want you now"


I say "Hablo solo la langua de Ingles
I told her that I only speak English


No comprendo Espanol"
And that I do not understand Spanish




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHUCK BERRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Jack


on Little Marie (Alternate)

Yes, oh yes, Long Distance, I'll accept the charge, I'll pay
Which love one is calling me, I did not hear you say.
Both are deep within my hearth, her Mom and my Marie

It so good to hear your voice from Memphis, Tennessee

Oh, you mean so much to me, more than you'll ever know,
Surely, you have not forgot how much I love you so
If you would remember, Dear, and sometimes talk to me
Maybe that would reunite our home in Tennessee.

Last time I saw you, just before I had to leave
You did not want to see me off and promised not to grieve,
My hearth was tore apart as I looked back at my Marie
And there the peace is still remain with you in Tennessee.

I guess I should stop talking, after all you placed the call
But anyway that I can help, you know I'll help you all


Then she spoke and asked me to come back and see Marie
And live together in our home in Memphis, Tennessee.