Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, … Read Full Bio ↴Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, France, is a multifaceted musician celebrated for his eclectic musical style and socially conscious lyrics. Chao's musical journey began in the vibrant Parisian music scene, where he immersed himself in diverse influences ranging from punk and rock to reggae and salsa. Co-founding the band Mano Negra in 1987, Chao showcased his knack for blending genres, resulting in international acclaim with albums like "Patchanka" (1988) and "Casa Babylon" (1994). Following the dissolution of Mano Negra in 1995, Chao embarked on a prolific solo career, marked by albums such as "Clandestino" (1998) and "Próxima Estación: Esperanza" (2001), where he continued to push musical boundaries while addressing social and political issues. Incorporating elements of street music and bar scenes from various cultures, Chao formed Radio Bemba Sound System, collaborating with musicians from Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to create a vibrant fusion of sounds. His innovative use of technology, including recording exclusively on a laptop, reflects his commitment to artistic experimentation. Through his music, Chao has championed themes of cultural diversity, social justice, and global solidarity, earning him a revered status as a visionary musician and cultural ambassador.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Chao

Discography
Clandestino (1998)
Próxima Estación: Esperanza (2001)
Radio Bemba Sound System (2002)
Sibérie m'était contéee (2004)
La Radiolina (2007)
Baionarena (2008)

Tumba
Manu Chao Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Canto mi canto antiguo
Ya pa poe
Tumba la corebamba mi negra
(Tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba)
(Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh)
(Tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba)
(Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh)
(Tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba)

Overall Meaning

Manu Chao's song "Tumba" is a playful and upbeat tune that incorporates colorful lyrics and a unique blend of musical styles. The opening line, "Canto mi canto antiguo", translates to "I sing my ancient song", which could be interpreted as a reference to the singer's roots and cultural heritage. "Ya pa poe" is a phrase that may hold more meaning than its surface translation of "enough already". In some cultures, it's a phrase used to signal the end of a section in a song or dance, similar to the English phrase "that's a wrap".

The title "Tumba" likely refers to the repetition of the phrase "tumba la corebamba mi negra" throughout the song. "Tumba" in Spanish can mean "to fall" or "to knock down", which could be interpreted as a call to let loose and dance freely. "La corebamba" is a playful nonsense phrase that adds to the song's carefree atmosphere. "Mi negra" is a common term of endearment for a dark-skinned woman.

Overall, "Tumba" is a joyful celebration of music and dance, with a focus on letting go and having fun. The repetitive nature of the lyrics serves to emphasize the song's message of letting loose and losing oneself in the music.

Line by Line Meaning

Canto mi canto antiguo
I sing my ancient song

Ya pa poe
And it's time for it

Tumba la corebamba mi negra
My black woman, shake your body and dance to the rhythm of my song

(Tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba)
The beat goes on, and on, and on, and on

(Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh)
The joy and energy of the music transcend words

(Tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba)
The beat keeps pounding, driving the dance forward

(Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh)
Our spirits soar with the music, taking us higher and higher

(Tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba, tumba)
The rhythm never stops, inviting us to keep moving and grooving

Writer(s): Jose Manuel Chao

Contributed by Riley M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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