Sabor Criollo
Jose "El Canario" Alberto Lyrics

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I
Sabor criollo, sabor criollo
Mezcla'o con piña
Cura'o con coco
Así es el sabor nativo de mi tierra
Vierten sus arrogancias sus palmeras
Por ser la perla del sol, candela

II
Mela'o, mela'o pa' cañaveral
La caña con su sabor
Las flores con su color, me llaman

III
Sabor criollo, ay para los pollos
Mezcla'o con piña, ay para las niñas

Cura'o con coco, que te vuelve loco
Mela'o, mela'o, melamba

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to José "El Canario" Alberto's song Sabor Criollo celebrate the unique and vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico. The chorus repeats the phrase "sabor criollo" (native flavor) twice, emphasizing the importance of embracing and cherishing the traditional tastes and culinary practices of the island. The lyrics go on to describe the various ingredients that make up this "sabor nativo," namely pineapples and coconuts. These tropical fruits are not only delicious, but also represent the lush natural environment of Puerto Rico, where palm trees stand tall and the sun shines hot.

In the second section, the lyrics shift to focus on the sugarcane fields that are so integral to the island economy and identity. The words "mela'o" and "melamba" suggest a playful, rhythmic tone, inviting the listener to dance amidst the colorful flowers and sweet-smelling cane. Overall, the song celebrates the unique, complex, and joyful spirit of Puerto Rican culture, expressing pride and appreciation for the island and its people.

Line by Line Meaning

Sabor criollo, sabor criollo
The authentic flavor of my land is what I seek

Mezcla'o con piña
Mixed with pineapple, a tropical delight

Cura'o con coco
Cured with coconut, a nutritious bite

Así es el sabor nativo de mi tierra
This is how the taste of my homeland feels

Vierten sus arrogancias sus palmeras
The palm trees boast their strength and appeal

Por ser la perla del sol, candela
As the jewel of the sun, they proudly reveal

Mela'o, mela'o pa' cañaveral
Drenched in sweetness for the sugar cane field

La caña con su sabor
Sugarcane, pure flavor, pure yield

Las flores con su color, me llaman
The flowers call me with their color so bold

Sabor criollo, ay para los pollos
Flavor for the chickens, their hunger to cajole

Mezcla'o con piña, ay para las niñas
Mixed with pineapple for the little girls to swole