Pablo Milanés Arias (born in Bayamo, Cuba, on 24 February 1943; died 22 Nov… Read Full Bio ↴Pablo Milanés Arias (born in Bayamo, Cuba, on 24 February 1943; died 22 November 2022)) was a Cuban singer-songwriter and guitarist. He studied at a conservatory in Havana. Considered one of the founders of the Cuban nueva trova (along with Silvio Rodríguez and Noel Nicola), his music, originating in the Trova, Son and other traditional styles of early 20th Century Cuban music, set him apart from the style of Silvio Rodríguez.

While fully supportive of the Cuban Revolution, Milanés was critical of some aspects of the Cuban regime. He took official positions but allegedly avoided participating in pro-government campaigns; on January 25, 2007, he signed a petition supporting Puerto Rico's independence from the United States of America.

A number of artists have performed with him; among them Silvio Rodríguez, Joaquín Sabina, Ana Belén, Lilia Vera, Joan Manuel Serrat, Víctor Manuel, etc. Among his songs, "Yolanda", "Yo me quedo", "Amo a esta isla", "Yo pisaré las calles nuevamente", "Para Vivir", and "El breve espacio en que no estás" are especially well-known.

Since his first recording ("Versos sencillos de José Martí" in 1973), he issued more than 40 solo records, and many more in collaboration with other artists from Cuba, elsewhere in Latin America, and Spain.

The heyday of his creativity occurred probably in the early 1980s, with his records "El guerrero", "Yo me quedo", and "Comienzo y final de una verde mañana".

Proposiciones
Pablo Milanés Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Propongo disfrutar esta jornada
inquientando tu gusto en dos sentidos
una palma que bate en tus oídos
y un cocodrilo verde en tu mirada.

Propongo que tu voz enamorada
se lance por caminos y veredas
anunciando; llegó la primavera

hagan suyo el crisol de esta morada.

Propongo compartir lo que es mi empeño
y el empeño de muchos que se afanan

propongo, en fin tu entrega apasionada
cual si fuera a cumplir mi último sueño.

Overall Meaning

In Pablo Milanés's song "Proposiciones," the singer proposes three separate ideas, each with its own unique appeal. The first line proposes an enjoyable journey, with the potential of piquing two senses: hearing and sight. The singer suggests that by listening to the sound of the palm tree and looking at the green crocodile, the listener can fully immerse themselves in the environment.

The second proposition involves the listener's voice, with a romantic undertone. The singer suggests that the listener allows their voice to travel down pathways and trails, announcing the arrival of spring and offering a new start. The third and final proposition includes a call for collaboration, alongside the singer's tireless efforts to bring people together. The proposal ends with a request for the listener's passionate commitment to fulfilling what could be the singer's last dream.

Overall, the song evokes a sense of lightheartedness and whimsy, with the singer offering unique and creative suggestions for enjoying life to the fullest. The language is poetic and vivid, painting pictures in the listener's mind that grant them a break from the routine and invite them to experience something new.

Line by Line Meaning

Propongo disfrutar esta jornada
I propose that we enjoy this day

inquientando tu gusto en dos sentidos
by stimulating your taste in two ways

una palma que bate en tus oídos
with a beat that echoes in your ears

y un cocodrilo verde en tu mirada.
and with a green crocodile in your gaze.

Propongo que tu voz enamorada
I propose that your enamored voice

se lance por caminos y veredas
launches itself down paths and trails

anunciando; llegó la primavera
declaring: spring has arrived.

hagan suyo el crisol de esta morada.
make this abode your own melting pot.

Propongo compartir lo que es mi empeño
I propose to share my endeavor

y el empeño de muchos que se afanan
and the efforts of many who toil

propongo, en fin tu entrega apasionada
I propose, ultimately, your passionate dedication