Born in Tampico, Mexico, Esquivel's family moved to Mexico City when he was ten. A keyboard and electronics prodigy, he became a featured soloist on the radio by the age of 14 and at 18 was conducting his own 22-piece orchestra. By the early 1950s Esquivel had expanded his orchestra to 54 pieces and had become one of the most popular artists in his homeland. His first album was released in Mexico in 1956. In 1957 he released a mono album in the United States. He was then brought to Hollywood in 1958 by RCA Victor producer Herman Diaz, Jr., where he recorded his first stereo album, Other Worlds, Other Sounds, which was nominated for a Grammy.
Esquivel released several albums over the next few years and also worked on various other projects, including an Ames Brothers album, Hello, Amigos, and a Living Strings album, In a Mellow Mood. Two more of his albums were nominated for Grammies in successive years. He also composed soundtracks for the TV programs Markham, The Tall Man, and The Bob Cummings Show.
In 1962 Esquivel recorded Latin-Esque as part of RCA Victor's ''Stereo Action'' series. The orchestra was divided between two different studios to ensure pure stereo separation. He then left RCA and recorded an album with Reprise before taking a studio hiatus. His recording heyday had passed, and he put together a traveling stage show with dramatic lighting, costume changes, and a pared-down combo.
In 1967 Esquivel returned to RCA and recorded with his combo. In 1968 he recorded his last album in the United States, which was released only in Mexico and Puerto Rico. In 1973 he married his long-time business manager and singer, Yvonne DeBourbon. They were divorced in 1978, and he moved back to Mexico. There he composed and recorded themes for a children's TV puppet show called Burbujas, releasing two albums from that project.
In 1993, while visiting his brother in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Esquivel fell as he emerged from a taxi and broke his hip, aggravating an old spinal injury. He was confined to a bed in his brother's house for the rest of his life. His popularity, though, began to rise again in the mid-1990s when modern audiences rediscovered the exotica music of the 1950s. Many of his recordings were re-released and are still currently available. Juan Garcia Esquivel passed away in 2002 after suffering a stroke.
Let's Dance
Esquivel & His Orchestra Lyrics
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But while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance
Before the fiddlers have fled
Before they ask us to pay the bill
And while we still have a chance
Soon, we'll be without the moon
Humming a different tune, and then
There may be teardrops to shed
So while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance, dance
Let's face the music and dance
There may be teardrops to shed
So while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance, dance
Let's face the music and dance
So while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance
The lyrics to Esquivel and His Orchestra's song "Let's Dance" convey a message of embracing the fleeting moments of joy and love amidst the inevitable troubles and challenges of life. The opening line, "There may be trouble ahead," sets the tone by acknowledging that difficulties may arise. However, the lyrics present the moonlight, music, and romance as transient, yet powerful, sources of happiness that should be savored and cherished while they last.
The song encourages a sense of urgency in enjoying these moments before they pass. The references to the fiddlers, suggesting a dance and celebration, indicate that life's joys are finite and will eventually come to an end. The line "Before they ask us to pay the bill" alludes to the responsibilities and obligations that often follow moments of happiness and suggests that it is important to seize the chance to enjoy life before such demands are imposed.
The envisioned future without the moonlight and humming a different tune symbolize a time when the current joy and romance may no longer be present. The lyrics further acknowledge the possibility of teardrops and shed tears, implying that sadness and challenges may await in the future. However, the repeated refrain "Let's face the music and dance" is a call to continue embracing life's pleasures, even in the face of potential hardships.
Overall, "Let's Dance" serves as a reminder to revel in the moments of bliss, love, and music, and to face life's uncertainties with courage and a willingness to dance on.
Line by Line Meaning
There may be trouble ahead
Although there may be difficulties and challenges in the future
But while there's moonlight and music
However, as long as there is a romantic atmosphere with the moon shining and music playing
And love and romance
And the presence of affection and romantic feelings
Let's face the music and dance
Let's confront and embrace the realities of life with resilience and grace
Before the fiddlers have fled
Before the musicians playing the violin leave
Before they ask us to pay the bill
Before they demand payment for the services rendered
And while we still have a chance
And while we still have an opportunity or time
Soon, we'll be without the moon
In the near future, we will no longer have the moonlight
Humming a different tune, and then
Adapting to a new situation and perspective
There may be teardrops to shed
There might be moments of sadness and tears
So while there's moonlight and music
Therefore, while there is still a romantic ambiance with the moon shining and music playing
And love and romance
And the presence of affection and romantic feelings
Let's face the music and dance, dance
Let's embrace the challenges of life with resilience, grace, and a spirit of dancing
Let's face the music and dance
Let's confront and embrace the realities of life with resilience and grace
So while there's moonlight and music
Therefore, while there is still a romantic ambiance with the moon shining and music playing
And love and romance
And the presence of affection and romantic feelings
Let's face the music and dance, dance
Let's embrace the challenges of life with resilience, grace, and a spirit of dancing
Let's face the music and dance
Let's confront and embrace the realities of life with resilience and grace
And while there's moonlight and music
And while there is a romantic ambiance with the moon shining and music playing
And love and romance
And the presence of affection and romantic feelings
Let's face the music and dance
Let's confront and embrace the realities of life with resilience and grace
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind