Prado was born in Matanzas, Cuba. His mother was a school teacher, his father a newspaper man. He studied classical piano in his early childhood, and later played organ and piano in local clubs. For a time, he was pianist and arranger for the Sonora Matancera, Cuba's best known musical group. He also worked with casino orchestras in Havana for most of the 1940s, and gained a reputation for being an imaginative (his solo playing style predated bebop by at least five years), loud player. He was nicknamed "El Cara de Foca" ("Seal Face") by his peers at the time.
In 1948, he moved to Mexico to form his own band and record for RCA Victor. He quickly specialized in mambos, an upbeat adaptation of the Cuban danzón. Pérez Prado's mambos stood out among the competition, with their fiery brass riffs and strong sax counterpoints, and most of all, Prado's trademark grunts (he actually says "¡Dilo!", or "Say it!", in many of the perceived grunts). In 1950, arranger Sonny Burke heard "Qué rico mambo" while on vacation in Mexico and recorded it back in the U.S. as "Mambo Jambo". The single was a hit and Pérez Prado decided to profit himself from the success and tour the U.S. His appearances in 1951 were sell-outs and he began recording U.S. releases for RCA Victor.
Patricia
Perez Prado & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stroll her, see Patricia move with all her charms
Mambo, Cha-cha, or Meringue it's Patricia
Heaven, that's where you'll be when she's in you're arms
In Japan they brag about the Geisha
Who cares, long uncle Sam has got Patricia
Eyes that have a starry sort of gleam for you
Everybody wishes they'd could steal her heart away, I guess
There's so many trying but she never, never will say yes
Eyes that have a starry sort of gleam for you
She is like a million dollar dream come true
Kiss her and your lips will always want Patricia
Stroll her, see Patricia move with all her charms
In Japan they brag about the Geisha
Who cares, long uncle Sam has got Patricia
The song "Patricia" by Perez Prado & His Orchestra is a Latin dance number that captures the essence of a beautiful and alluring woman named Patricia. The lyrics describe in vivid detail the effects that Patricia has on those around her - from making men desire her with a single kiss to captivating all who see her move in a mambo, cha-cha or meringue. The singer compares Patricia to the Geisha of Japan, saying that even though they are celebrated and revered in Japan, the American girl Patricia is far more desirable.
The song also portrays Patricia as being unattainable - everyone wants to steal her heart away, but she never says yes. Despite this, she remains a million dollar dream come true for all who encounter her. The song is a celebration of female beauty and charm, which transcends cultures and nationalities, and leaves a lasting impact on those who witness it.
Line by Line Meaning
Kiss her and your lips will always want Patricia
If you kiss Patricia, you will always crave more of her affection.
Stroll her, see Patricia move with all her charms
If you take a walk with Patricia, you'll see all of her amazing qualities and traits.
Mambo, Cha-cha, or Meringue it's Patricia
Patricia's dancing skills are so impressive that she can perform any type of dance, including Mambo, Cha-cha, and Meringue.
Heaven, that's where you'll be when she's in you're arms
Being embraced by Patricia is like being in heaven, because of how wonderful and amazing she is.
In Japan they brag about the Geisha
Japanese culture admires the Geisha, but there's no need to, because Patricia is just as admirable.
Who cares, long uncle Sam has got Patricia
Even though Japan may brag about the Geisha, it doesn't matter because the United States has Patricia, who is just as special and wonderful.
Eyes that have a starry sort of gleam for you
When Patricia looks at you, her eyes shine with an enchanting and beautiful light.
She is like a million dollar dream come true
Patricia is so wonderful and amazing that having her in your life is like a dream come true worth a million dollars.
Everybody wishes they'd could steal her heart away, I guess
Many people would love to be with Patricia, but it's difficult because she's so special that it's hard for her to choose just one person to be with.
There's so many trying but she never, never will say yes
Despite many attempts from others to win her over, Patricia remains true to herself and won't say yes to just anyone's advances.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: PRADO, DAMASO PEREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patricianeil396
I was named after this piece. In 1958, my mom was dancing to this music when her water broke and she said if it is a girl, she would be named Patricia. Here I am. On my birthday, a few days ago, I shared the story with my family, and I danced to this music with my great granddaughter. It still sounds beautiful. I love this song, it is a part of who I am.
@BernardProfitendieu
wow! we're talking about some water that broke 61 years ago haha!
@robingardella6240
That’s so cool! A great song!!
@DanielTull
KEWL!
@1970ramis
Patricia Neil i was named after “Norma La de Guadalajara” as a child when asked my name by an hispanic almost everytime they would ask, “Norma la de Guadalajara?”
@brendagordon4571
2020 and still jamming with my martial arts.
@G8GT364CI
I was about 5 when this was a hit and remember my father pointing it out because my younger sister was named Patricia, RIP Patsy.
@rogerhegemier8491
Ah Sorry Bob We all have these fond memories of our loved ones, and being with them in real time Back in the Good ol Days !! I can remember dancing to this song with my Late sister !!! Loved Perez Prado !! Cherry Pink and apple Blossom White, i played my trumpet to that song, and i did pretty darn good !!! God Bless
@G8GT364CI
@@rogerhegemier8491 I played trumpet when I was a kid too, switched to baritone horn, guitars and finally bass which I still play.
@rogerhegemier8491
@@G8GT364CI Well Bob that was so many years Back, i stopped playing when i was about 16 !!! Glad you still enjoy The Bass !!! Take care Roger