Little Big Man
Eliza Carthy Lyrics

At first glance, Eliza Carthy's "Little Bigman" may seem like an original song, but it actually features a Latin American classic called "La Bamba." The song opens with the repetition, "Para bailar la bamba," which translates to "to dance the bamba." The next line, "Se necesita una poca de gracia," roughly means "you need a little bit of grace." The singer then adds "para mi, para ti," which means "for me, for you." This emphasizes the unity and connection that dancing the bamba can bring.

The chorus repeats the same lines, adding in "Arriba y arriba," which can be translated to "up and up." This suggests that dancing the bamba can take you higher and higher, both in a physical sense and emotionally. The following lines, "Por ti seré," are a promise to dance and give their all for the person they're singing to.

The verses feature the memorable line, "Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán," meaning "I am not a sailor, I am a captain." This is an interesting contrast to the idea of dancing the bamba, as the two don't seem to connect. However, it is possible to interpret this as a metaphor for being the leader of one's own destiny, taking charge and being confident in oneself - much like a captain of a ship.

Overall, "Little Bigman" is a fun and upbeat song that highlights the joy and unity that can come from dancing the bamba. The use of the classic song adds an interesting twist and depth to the lyrics.