Their tracks often feature acoustic guitar and accordion, as well as some tracks containing many other 'traditional' instruments such as piano and brass. Their style is fairly upbeat and energetic on the majority of their tracks, with unusual rhythms, vocals delivered with a generous dose of zeal and vibrant energy, and accompaniment melodies ranging from lilting and distant to eccentric and fast-paced. These two factors give many of their pieces a strong sense of direction.
Les Négresses Vertes arose from the alternative music scene in Paris. The original line-up included singer Helno (born Noël Rota in Paris, December 25, 1963 - January 22, 1993, also known as Helno Rota de Lourcqua), Jo Roz (also known as l'Ami Ro; real name Joe Ruffier des Aimes) (piano), Stéfane Mellino (guitar), Jean-Marie Paulus (bass), Gaby (drums), Matthias Canavese (accordion), Michel Ochowiak (trumpet), Abraham Sirinix (also known as Abraham Braham) (trombone) and Iza Mellino (backing vocals).
The original members were a group of friends, many of whom had not played their instruments before forming the band. The group's name translates as "green black women"; it arose from abuse hurled at them at one of their first concerts. They were initially signed to the independent Off The Track label, and released the punk protest song "200 Ans D'Hypocrisie" in response to their country's French Revolution bicentennial celebrations.
In 1989 they released their first album, Mlah, to good reviews in both France and the UK, where the single "Zobi La Mouche" just failed to reach the charts and where they toured and played the WOMAD festival. They also made a controversial tour of Lebanon. Their second album, Famille Nombreuse, in 1991, featured new drummer Zé Verbalito.
Helno was by this time struggling with serious heroin addiction, and Stéfane Mellino and Canavese replaced him as the main songwriters. Helno died at his parents' house on January 22, 1993.
Several members left the band after Helno's death, but Les Négresses Vertes continued around the nucleus of Mellino, Canavese, Ochowiak and Paulus. In 1995 they released the album Zig-Zague, followed by the live album Green Bus. By 2000's Trabendo, the group's style had shifted to a dub-orientated lounge style. They disbanded in 2001.
Albums
* Mlah (1988)
* Famille Nombreuse (1991)
* 10 Remixes (1993)
* An Aperitif (1994)
* Zig-Zague (1994)
* Green Bus (1996), live
* Trabendo (1999)
* Acoustic Clubbing (2001)
* Les grand deballage (2002) ('Best of' album)
* L'essentiel (2004)('Best of' album)
* À l'Affiche (2006)
Singles
* Il (1989)
* Zobi La Mouche (1989)
* Voila L’ete(1989)
* Hou! Mamma Mia (1992)
* Sous Le soleil de bodega (1992)
* Apres La pluie (1994)
* Mambo Show (1994)
* A Quoi Bon (1995)
* Easy Girls (1999)
* Leila (1999)
* Hasta Llegar (2000) ('Promo' CD - was never released)
* Spank / Abuela (2000)
Hasta llegar
Les Négresses Vertes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
HASTA LLEGAR A LA ERMITA
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
QUIERO QUE LA VIRGENCITA
BENDIGA NUESTRO QUERER
POR MI LA CARA LLORANDO
CUANDO SALI DE MI VUELVA
Y LE DIJE VUELVA MIA
POR MI LA CARO LLORANDO
TANTO COMO TE QUERIA
HASTA LLEGAR A LA ERMITA
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
HASTA LLEGAR A LA ERMITA
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
QUIERO QUE LA VIRGENCITA
BENDIGA NUESTRO QUERER
The lyrics to Les Négresses Vertes's song Hasta Llegar speak to the idea that love should be proven through actions, not just words. The singer implores their lover not to tell them they love them until they've both made their way to the church, where they can receive the blessing of the Virgin Mary. The singer is willing to show their vulnerability by crying, hoping that their lover will return to them and make their love official. The repetition of the phrase "no me digas que me quiere" adds to the sense of urgency and desperation that the singer is feeling, as if they're begging their lover to prove their love before it's too late.
The lyrics also contain references to the power of religion and spirituality. The singer wants to bring their love to the attention of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing the importance of having a higher power bless their relationship. This idea is also reinforced by the use of the word "querer," which can mean both "love" and "desire" in Spanish, implying that the singer wants a love that is both physical and spiritual.
Overall, the song expresses a yearning for a love that is deep, meaningful, and everlasting, one that can withstand the test of time and receive the blessing of a higher power.
Line by Line Meaning
HASTA LLEGAR A LA ERMITA
Until we reach the chapel
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
Don't tell me you love me
HASTA LLEGAR A LA ERMITA
Until we reach the chapel
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
Don't tell me you love me
QUIERO QUE LA VIRGENCITA
I want the Virgin Mary
BENDIGA NUESTRO QUERER
To bless our love
POR MI LA CARA LLORANDO
My face crying
CUANDO SALI DE MI VUELVA
When I left, come back to me
POR MI LA CARA LLORANDO
My face crying
Y LE DIJE VUELVA MIA
And I said come back to me
POR MI LA CARO LLORANDO
My face crying
TANTO COMO TE QUERIA
As much as I loved you
HASTA LLEGAR A LA ERMITA
Until we reach the chapel
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
Don't tell me you love me
HASTA LLEGAR A LA ERMITA
Until we reach the chapel
NO ME DIGAS QUE ME QUIERE
Don't tell me you love me
QUIERO QUE LA VIRGENCITA
I want the Virgin Mary
BENDIGA NUESTRO QUERER
To bless our love
Contributed by Isaac F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.