El Barrio
George Benson featuring Joe Sample Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
El barrio…
La la la la la laa…
…
…
El barrio…
…
El barrio…
Io io io
El barrio…
La la la la la laa…
La la la la la laa…
…
El barrio and nothing got a ghetto…
The lyrics to George Benson's song "El Barrio" speak to the beauty and vibrancy of the barrio, or the Spanish-speaking neighborhood, while acknowledging the challenges and struggles that exist within it. The repeated refrain of "la la la la la la" sets a joyful and celebratory tone, and the repetition of "el barrio" highlights the importance of the community being sung about. However, the line "and nothing got a ghetto" is a powerful reminder that this community is not immune to poverty and hardship.
The song can be interpreted as an anthem for the barrio, singing its praises and reminding listeners of its strength and resilience. The use of Spanish language and cultural references also reinforces the richness and depth of this community.
Line by Line Meaning
La la la la la laa…
A melodic expression of the musical aura of the song
El barrio…
The neighborhood, or the area where the singer is from
La la la la la laa…
A continuation of the musical expression of the song
...
An interruption of the musical expression for the entrance of a more serious lyrical message
La la la la la laa…
A transition to the next meaningful verse of the song
...
The singer speaks on the reality of life in the neighborhood
El barrio…
The environment in which the singer lives
...
The difficulties and struggles that arise as a result of living in the neighborhood
El barrio…
A repetition of the central theme of the song
Io io io
A rhythmic vocalization of the music
El barrio…
A call back to the central theme of the song
La la la la la laa…
A repetitive melodic expression of the song
La la la la la laa…
A continuation of the musical expression of the song
...
A message that despite the harsh realities of the neighborhood, there is still a sense of community and pride within it
El barrio and nothing got a ghetto…
The neighborhood may be difficult, but it is not defined by its struggles and encompasses much more than that label
Contributed by Asher W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.