Carnaval
Cuarteto Patria & Manu Dibango Lyrics

The lyrics to Cuarteto Patria & Manu Dibango’s song Carnaval express a sentiment of concern for the potential loss of the Carnival celebration in Eastern cultures. The repetition of the lines “Yo no quisiera que llegara el día que en todo Oriente no haya carnaval” (“I would not want the day to come when there is no Carnival in all of Eastern culture”) emphasize the desire for the continuance of this important tradition, suggesting that Carnival is an integral part of Eastern culture. The singer goes on to express a personal attachment to the Rumba, stating that he cannot exist without it. The belief that this dance is an essential part of one’s identity and culture is an overarching theme in the lyrics.

The song also encourages listeners to participate in the Changüí, a popular dance in Eastern culture. The lyrics, “Para Oriente voy a bailar el ritmo Changüí / Es un baile muy popular que se baila así” (“I’m going to dance the Changüí rhythm for Eastern culture / It’s a very popular dance that’s done like this”) serve as an invitation to embrace Eastern culture and its celebration of Carnival. The song expresses the importance of tradition, while also encouraging a celebration of cultural diversity and inclusivity.