La Paloma
Gabriella Ferri Lyrics

The song La Paloma by Gabriella Ferri is a classic Spanish melody with heartfelt lyrics. The opening lines of the song, "Cuando salí de la Habana, válgame Dios, nadie me ha visto salir sino fui yo", or "When I left Havana, dear God, nobody saw me leave except for myself", set the tone for a song that is equal parts introspective and romantic. The singer reflects on leaving Havana alone, but a beautiful guachinanga, or young woman, follows him, symbolizing hope and the possibility of love. The singer tells the listener to treat any pigeon that comes to their window with kindness, as it represents him. He begs the listener to share their love stories with the pigeon and to crown it with flowers, as it's his personal request.

The song's lyrics are simple and resonate with the listener's hearts. It speaks of the universal need for love, companionship, and hope in our lives. The repeated chorus of "If a pigeon comes to your window, treat it with kindness, as it's me" is a powerful metaphor for how hope and love can arrive in unexpected forms. The missing verse is believed to be lost or censored by the Spanish government during the Franco dictatorship. Despite this, the song remains a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring power of love and hope.