Born in the mountain town of Aibonito, Puerto Rico and named after his uncle, Obie’s family moved to the farmlands of Vineland, New Jersey just before his teens. Music actually wasn't his first passion -- it was poetry. He learned guitar from his father, a big Beatles fan, while also being influenced by his mother's lively salsa sounds. Soon, he brought his two loves of words and music together, recording a demo in 1996 that led to an international label deal and the release of his debut album Locales two years later.
Though he received some acclaim, that first album didn't make him an overnight star; Obie chose to step back from his career and took a job at a New York Laundromat in the South Bronx, where his life and that of customers and co-workers inspired the songs that would fill his second album, Confesiones, released by EMI International in 2004. The album’s lead single "Antes" topped Latin charts worldwide and lead to Confesiones receiving multiple Latin GRAMMY nominations.
Obie next followed with the award-winning Todo El Año, a rich collection touched by personal experience and reflection, offering further heartfelt and soulful tales as the vivid title track shot to #1, and the album’s Latin Grammy win followed.
Now, Obie Bermúdez returns to the Latin Pop landscape once again with Lo Que Trajo El Barco (“What The Ship Has Brought In”). Working with multiple-Grammy winning producers Sebastian Krys and Andres Castro, Obie describes the album as a musical growth that still maintains his distinctive style and sound and provides a reminder that "No matter how much we move ahead in our lives and modify ourselves, we still need life’s basic anchors of hope, faith, and charity towards others”.
On the new album, a host of accomplished players took part in the sessions, including Fania All-Stars bassist Sal Cuevas, Sergio George percussionist Luis Quintero, renowned drummer Lee Levin, and famed Brazilian percussionist Laercio Da Costa. Producer Krys says the music is combination of Puerto Rican rhythms and the rich landscape of New York, with a story behind every song. The first single “Sigo Con Ella” (I’m Still With Her), is a song of devotion and dreams derived from the one you love.
All Music Guide has praised Obie for his original arrangements and sheer musical integrity, "a sonic palette rich with acoustic flavor and a tasteful mix of his Latino and alt-rock influences, an artist not only willing to take risks, but delighting in them." As he said the historic night he won his Grammy, “Nothing is impossible." For Obie Bermudez." making music is all about seizing the day, in fact, the moment, to find creative vigor and purpose. He told the Times, "I've always said that opportunities come around again and again. The important thing is not to be caught sitting on your hands when it comes."
Spanglish
Obie Bermúdez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know place you live, people there
Street, some parks
Back in my brain, trying to explain
That I like your precious smile
Your different style, the words you say
Speaking your language, I'm trying to get to you
I wanna be sure this time that I have a perfect rhyme
The words are so hard to find, to say you should be mine
What's your name? What should I call you?
Is someone who loves you, waiting at home?
Can I get your phone? I'm sorry, your number
Or should I just wonder and leave you alone?
Why these words? Transfer in anguish
Speaking in Spanglish, trying to get to you
I wanna be sure this time that I have a perfect rhyme
The words are so hard to find, to say you should be mine
I wanna be sure this time that I have a perfect rhyme
The words are so hard to find, to say you should be mine
I wanna be sure
(Yo te necesito negrita linda)
This time that I have a perfect rhyme
(Al oido decirte cositas lindas)
The words are so hard to find, to say you should be mine
The lyrics of Obie Bermúdez's song "Spanglish" describe a confusion of two worlds and languages in the context of love. The verses describe a person who is trying to connect with someone from a different culture and language, but is struggling to find the right words. The language barriers between the two people make communication difficult, but the singer is determined to overcome them in hopes of finding love.
The repetition of the phrase "I wanna be sure this time that I have a perfect rhyme" emphasizes the singer's commitment to finding the right words and making a connection with the other person. The use of Spanglish, a combination of Spanish and English, reflects the cultural melting pot that is common in many parts of the world today. This mixing of languages can be both a blessing and a curse, as it allows people to communicate across cultures, but can also lead to misunderstandings.
Overall, the song highlights the challenges and rewards of embracing diversity and finding common ground across cultural and linguistic borders.
Line by Line Meaning
Where should I start? Two worlds apart
I'm unsure where to begin, as we come from different backgrounds
Don't know place you live, people there
I'm unfamiliar with your hometown and the people who live there
Street, some parks
I only know some basic information about your town, like its streets and parks
Back in my brain, trying to explain
I'm racking my brain to find the right words to express how I feel
That I like your precious smile
I find your smile to be charming and special
Your different style, the words you say
I love your unique personality and the way you express yourself
In my thoughts, you come through in Spanish
I often think of you speaking in Spanish, your native language
Speaking your language, I'm trying to get to you
I'm making an effort to communicate with you in your native language
I wanna be sure this time that I have a perfect rhyme
I want to make sure that the words I say to you are perfect and express my true feelings
The words are so hard to find, to say you should be mine
It's difficult for me to find the right words, but I want to tell you that I want to be with you
What's your name? What should I call you?
I want to know your name and how you prefer to be addressed
Is someone who loves you, waiting at home?
I'm wondering if you're already in a relationship with someone who loves you
Can I get your phone? I'm sorry, your number
Can I have your phone number? I apologize if this is too forward
Or should I just wonder and leave you alone?
Or is it better for me to just wonder and not pursue a relationship with you?
Why these words? Transfer in anguish
I'm struggling to express myself and convey my emotions accurately
Speaking in Spanglish, trying to get to you
I'm attempting to speak in Spanglish, a mix of English and Spanish, to better communicate with you
Yo te necesito negrita linda
I need you, my beautiful dark-skinned girl
Al oido decirte cositas lindas
Whispering sweet nothings in your ear
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEREMIAS RAMOS, OBED BERMUDEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind