Latin American beats had been joined with flamenco by gitanos since at least the 1950s, mixing complex strumming with rhythmic, percussive tapping on their guitars' tops. The new Reyes generation — soon to meet and join up with three guitar-playing brothers from the Baliardo family — began creating more pop-oriented songs. They played at roma parties and at street corners until they got their chance to record under the group's new name, Gipsy Kings.
Sharp-eyed individuals might have noted that all the left-handed members of the group play guitars strung upside-down; this is usually as a result of the individuals' not having their own guitars when growing-up. Borrowing and playing a right-hander's the wrong way up was the only way to learn.
Band's story
They became popular with their self-titled first album, Gipsy Kings, which included the songs "Djobi Djoba ", "Bamboleo " and the romantic ballad "Un Amor". The song "Volare" on their second album Mosaique is a rumba version of Domenico Modugno's Italian hit "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu". The Gipsy Kings were enormously popular in France and throughout Europe along with the middle east. In 1989, Gipsy Kings was released in the United States and it spent 40 weeks on the charts, one of very few Spanish language albums to do so. Their cover version of "Hotel California" is an excellent example of fast flamenco guitar leads and rhythmic strumming (this version was featured in the Coen Brothers' movie The Big Lebowski).
In 1991 the Gipsy Kings provided flamenco guitar and backing vocals on Bananarama's version of "Long Train Running", using the pseudonym "Alma de Noche" ("Soul of the Night"). Also in '91, for a multi-artist project called "Simply Mad About the Mouse" — a compilation of new versions of songs from Disney films — the Kings contributed an annaly-crafted, fast-paced rumba flamenca version of "I've Got No Strings" from "Pinocchio" - replete with feverish flamenco guitar leads and rhythmic hand-claps (palmas). The lyrics' enthusiasm for freedom, not being tied down, fit the gipsy creed perfectly.
Their 1993 album "Love and Liberte" won the Latin Grammy Award for "Best Pop Album of the Year," and contained the enduring song "Montana," an emotional account of Roma chased from their birthplace by prejudice and persecution.
The '95 compilation "The Best of the Gipsy Kings" went platinum, staying on the charts more than one year. Albums "Mosaïque," "Allegria," "Este Mundo," "Gipsy Kings Live," "Love & Liberte," "Tierra Gitana," "Cantos de Amor" and "Volare! - the Very Best of the Gipsy Kings" went gold.
Lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo — who has always written the group's instrumentals — released his first solo album, Essences, in 2001; a second self-titled one followed in 2003.
Flamenco purists criticized their use of drum kits, electronic bass, and electronic keyboards and rock and reggae beats. Defenders say they helped create a new style.
Gipsy Kings' total album sales worldwide now exceed 18 million; they toured worldwide again in 2007. They are the world's best-selling music group from France in history, according to their website, where dates and places of their current tour can be found.
Years active: from 1987 till present.
Members
Gipsy Kings are members of two related families: the Reyes and the Baliardos (Reyes means Kings in Spanish). They are cousins of the flamenco great Manitas de Plata, lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo married his granddaughter. Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Andre and Patchai Reyes are sons of flamenco singer Jose Reyes. The Gipsy Kings are:
Nicolas Reyes: lead vocals, guitar
Paul Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Canut Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Patchai Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Andre Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Diego Baliardo: guitar
Paco Baliardo: guitar
Tonino Baliardo: lead guitar
Chico Bouchikhi was also a member of the Gipsy Kings, but quit after the album Mosaique.
Volare (nel blu di pinto di bl
Gipsy Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And in the hustle and bustle, no sunshine appears
But you and I have our love always there to remind us
There is a way we can leave all the shadows behind us
Volare, oh, oh! Cantare, oh, oh, oh, oh!
Let's fly way up to the clouds, away from the maddening crowds
We can sing in the glow of a star that I know of
Where lovers enjoy peace of mind
Just like birds of a feather a rainbow together we'll find
Volare, oh, oh! Cantare, oh, oh, oh, oh!
No wonder my happy heart sings
Your love has given me wings
Your love has given me wings
Volare is an Italian word that means "to fly", and in the Gipsy Kings' song, it symbolizes leaving behind the troubles and difficulties of everyday life and soaring above them with the power of love. The song begins by acknowledging the pain and sadness that exist in the world, but then emphasizes the power of love to overcome those obstacles.
The lyrics describe a desire to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to find some peace and serenity away from the "maddening crowds". The singer imagines flying up to the clouds, where the only light comes from the glow of a distant star. In this peaceful place, lovers can enjoy tranquility and leave behind all the confusion and disillusionment of the world.
The chorus is a celebration of the freedom and joy that love can bring. The words "Volare, oh, oh! Cantare, oh, oh, oh, oh!" express the euphoria of rising above the troubles of life and singing out with all one's heart. The final line, "Your love has given me wings," is a beautiful metaphor for the transformative power of love.
Overall, the lyrics of Volare are a powerful and uplifting expression of the human desire to find peace and happiness in the face of life's challenges. The song encourages listeners to believe in the power of love to overcome obstacles and to find joy and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes the world is a valley of heartaches and tears
Life can be full of pain and sadness at times.
And in the hustle and bustle, no sunshine appears
During the chaos of daily life, it's easy to feel like there's no hope.
But you and I have our love always there to remind us
Despite the difficulties we face, our love for each other is a constant reminder of the good things in life.
There is a way we can leave all the shadows behind us
We have the power to leave behind the darkness and negativity that surrounds us.
Volare, oh, oh! Cantare, oh, oh, oh, oh!
Let's take flight and sing our hearts out!
Let's fly way up to the clouds, away from the maddening crowds
We can escape the chaos of the world by rising above it all.
We can sing in the glow of a star that I know of
We can find peace and happiness together in a special place.
Where lovers enjoy peace of mind
This place is where we can be at peace with ourselves and each other.
Let us leave the confusion and all disillusion behind
We should let go of the confusion and heartache that weighs us down.
Just like birds of a feather a rainbow together we'll find
Together, we can explore a colorful and beautiful world.
No wonder my happy heart sings
It's no surprise that my heart is filled with joy and happiness.
Your love has given me wings
Your love has lifted me up and given me the ability to soar.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Domenico Modugno, Franco Migliacci
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Recep Halil Gültekin
on Un Amor
Vuoi amare Bedla