La Bamba
Old Town School of Folk Music Lyrics

The song "La Bamba" is a traditional Mexican folk song that dates back to the early 20th century. The lyrics are simple but catchy and contain a message of joy and celebration. The first two lines, "Para bailar la bamba, se necesita una poca de gracia" translate to "In order to dance la Bamba, you need a little bit of grace." This suggests that while the dance may look simple, it requires some skill and finesse to perform it well.

The repeated lines "una poca de gracia, para mi para ti" reinforce the idea that the dance is for everyone and can be enjoyed by anyone who has the grace to perform it. The line "yo no soy marinero, por ti sere" translates to "I'm not a sailor, but I'll become one for you" which suggests that the singer is willing to do anything to make the person they are dancing with happy. The repeated "ba-ba-bamba" at the end of every stanza serves as a sort of chant, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the song.

Overall, "La Bamba" is a fun and upbeat song that celebrates the joy of music and dance. Its catchy melody and simple lyrics have made it a beloved classic around the world.