Cielito Lindo
Count Basie & The Mills Brothers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

He happened to meet her, a sweet señorita
One night at a gala fiesta
A picture in fine Spanish laces
With one of those pretty faces

The music and moonlight, the spell of a June night
The charm of an old Spanish setting
Brought romance in all it's glory

The start of a sweet love story

Ay-ay-ay-ay
He won my heart, amigo
He said that he loved no one but me
So off to the chapel we go

Ay-ay-ay-ay
There is a part we will know
He'll bring the ring, the choir will sing
So wish me luck, amigo

He happened to meet her, a sweet señorita
One night at a gala fiesta
A picture in fine Spanish laces
With one of the pretty faces

The music and moonlight, the spell of a June night
The charm of an old Spanish setting
Brought romance in all it's glory
The start of a sweet love story

Ay-ay-ay-ay
He won my heart, amigo
He said that he loved no one but me
So off to the chapel we go

Ay-ay-ay-ay
There is a part we will know

He'll bring the ring, the choir will sing
So wish me luck, amigo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Count Basie & The Mills Brothers's song "Cielito Lindo" tell a classic story of a chance encounter leading to love and marriage. In this story, the singer meets a beautiful young woman at a gala fiesta. She is adorned in fine Spanish laces and has one of those pretty faces that captures his heart. The romantic setting of music and moonlight in an old Spanish setting creates the perfect backdrop for their burgeoning romance. The man professes his love for the woman and promises to love no one but her. They decide to take their love to the next level and get married in the chapel, and the choir will sing in celebration.

This song is a classic example of the "love story" genre of music, which tells stories through song lyrics. The lyrics rely on clichéd imagery of love and romance, such as the moonlight and beautiful settings. The use of Spanish words and phrases adds an exotic element to the song and reinforces the sense of romantic adventure. The repeated use of the phrase "ay-ay-ay-ay" throughout the song reinforces the emotional intensity of the story.

Line by Line Meaning

He happened to meet her, a sweet señorita
By chance they met, a lovely lady

One night at a gala fiesta
At a grand celebration one evening

A picture in fine Spanish laces
Adorned in elegant Spanish lace

With one of those pretty faces
Graced with a classic beauty

The music and moonlight, the spell of a June night
The melodies and moonbeams, the enchantment of a summer's night

The charm of an old Spanish setting
The allure of a traditional Spanish backdrop

Brought romance in all it's glory
Inspired a romance of great splendor

The start of a sweet love story
The beginning of a tender love affair

Ay-ay-ay-ay
A joyful exclamation of excitement

He won my heart, amigo
He captured my heart, my friend

He said that he loved no one but me
He professed his love solely for me