Though the songs were composed electronically, Amparo called for an acoustic treatment, so Usbeck spent a winter in the studio recording the arrangements live with producer Caroline Polachek and mixer and engineer Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. Fleshed out in full sonic color on the marimba, xylophone, quena flute, piano, and harp, the album stretched out into something hi-fi and expressive, meditative but not meandering.
Amparo stems from Usbeck's desire to compose in Spanish, her native language. Growing up in Quito, Ecuador, Usbeck was immersed in salsa, merengue, bachata, and Andean music, but was more attracted to German and American culture than to her own, and moved to America by herself at 17. After five years of fronting new wave outfit Selebrities and writing songs in English, Usbeck experienced a delayed onset homesickness and knew it was time to "let the mother tongue speak." The impulse manifested itself directly: Amparo takes its title from Usbeck's middle name and her mother's name, and translates roughly as "to guide, protect, and embrace." Usbeck wields her Spanish lyrics cleverly while folding in snippets of several other far-flung tongues: Rapa Nui from Easter Island, Quichua from Ecuador, Bribri from Costa Rica, and Catalan. Because these lyrics were composed while visiting the countries from which they originate, their usage is more impressionistic than literal, like a mockingbird imitating fragments of other birdcalls. Similarly, Usbeck reinterprets the Ecuadorian music that she grew up with as a newcomer, returning home with fresh ears, and as such the sounds are very much her own.
The backbone of Amparo is percussion, vibrating throughout with timbales, tumbas, a talking drum, bongos, shakers, and an Indian flat drum, with the gaps filled in by her field recordings of birds, beaches, and jungles. The songs were written and recorded chronologically, with the exception of the closing track, a cover of Colourbox’s “Tarantula” reimagined in Usbeck’s Spanish translation. Amparo is a reflection of the textures of Usbeck's childhood. It is also a distinctly grown-up pop record – a travel diary, music made by a visiting outsider to tap into a shared core of human expression. Emotively, Usbeck is at her most powerful on piano ballads "Uno De Tus Ojos" and "Jungla Inquieta," but is a magnetic narrator throughout, moving between whispers, chants, and lullabies. Amparo pulses with many stories in many voices, but they flow together seamlessly like water, leaving behind a wordless hum.
Amparo is released May 27 via Labrador in Europe, Cascine in North America and Rallye in Japan.
Mexico
Maria Usbeck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A car that goes backwards
These are all the things I see
Esta parte de México me ha atrapado a mí
The sky is so close to my feet
A tree that grows sideways
These are all the things I see
Esta parte de México me ha atrapado a mí
These are all the things I see
These are all the things I see
These are all the things I see
These are all the things I see
Esta parte de México me ha atrapado a mí
These are all the things I see
These are all the things I see
The lyrics of Maria Usbeck's song "Mexico" are a poetic representation of her experiences in this place. In the first verse, she mentions a "pyramid upside down" and a "car that goes backwards," which can be interpreted as the surreal and unconventional experiences that she has had while in Mexico. It can represent the feeling of being in a world that is so different from her previous experiences that everything seems to be in reverse. However, she also highlights how these things have "captured" her, suggesting that although she may feel disoriented at times, she is drawn to this place because of its unique qualities.
The second verse mentions a "sky so close to my feet" and a "tree that grows sideways." These are visual metaphors that capture the beauty and wonder of the natural world in Mexico, suggesting that the environment is so rich and captivating that even the basic elements seem to take on a magical quality. The phrase "Esta parte de México me ha atrapado a mí" (This part of Mexico has trapped me) is repeated throughout the song, further emphasizing how the singer has been captivated and drawn into this place.
Overall, the lyrics of "Mexico" are a poetic representation of the singer's experiences and emotions while in this place. It captures the surreal and magical qualities of Mexico and suggests that although it may be disorienting at times, it is a place that has truly captured her heart and imagination.
Line by Line Meaning
A pyramid upside down
I see a pyramid that has been inverted, with its base pointing upwards instead of the other way around.
A car that goes backwards
I see a vehicle moving in the opposite direction, reversing instead of moving forward.
These are all the things I see
These are the sights that catch my attention and capture my interest.
Esta parte de México me ha atrapado a mí
This part of Mexico has captured me, enchanted me and captivated my senses.
The sky is so close to my feet
The sky looks as though it is touching the ground and could be easily reached by my own feet.
A tree that grows sideways
I see a tree that has grown in a horizontal direction instead of typical vertical growth patterns.
These are all the things I see
Once again, these are the things that I notice and find fascinating.
These are all the things I see
The sights that I am experiencing are compelling and worth my attention.
These are all the things I see
I am surrounded by the remarkable beauty of this place, and I am taking it all in.
These are all the things I see
The surroundings are incredibly breathtaking and I am grateful to be witnessing them.
Esta parte de México me ha atrapado a mí
I am fully entranced by this particular part of Mexico and cannot get enough of its splendor.
These are all the things I see
The beauty and wonder I observe in this place continue to amaze me.
These are all the things I see
I am filled with joy and wonder at all the extraordinary sights that surround me.
Lyrics © null
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind