Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most… Read Full Bio ↴Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most important musician involved in the hugely popular Latin dance craze. Whether he actually created the rhythm is somewhat disputed, but it's abundantly clear that Prado developed it into a bright, swinging style with massive appeal for dancers of all backgrounds and classes. Prado's mambo was filled with piercing high-register trumpets, undulating saxophone counterpoint, atmospheric organ (later on), and harmonic ideas borrowed from jazz. While his tight percussion arrangements allowed for little improvisation, they were dense and sharply focused, keeping the underlying syncopations easy for dancers to follow. Prado played the piano, but was often more in his element as the focal point of the audience's excitement; he leaped, kicked, danced, shouted, grunted, and exhorted his musicians with a dynamic stage presence that put many more sedate conductors and bandleaders to shame. With this blueprint, Prado brought mambo all the way into the pop mainstream, inspiring countless imitators and scoring two number one singles on the pop charts (albeit in a smoother vein than the fare that first made his name) as the fad snowballed. He was a star throughout most of the Western Hemisphere during the '50s, and even after his popularity waned in the United States, he remained a widely respected figure in many Latin countries, especially his adopted home of Mexico. Prado is often best remembered for his softer, more commercial work, which has an undeniable kitschiness that plays well with modern-day lounge-revival hipsters. Unfortunately, that has served to obscure his very real credentials in the realm of authentic, unadulterated Latin dance music, and to this day he remains somewhat underappreciated.

Aquello Ojos Verdes
Perez Prado and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

cquellos ojos verdes

cquellos ojos verdes,
De mirada serena,
Dejaron en mi alma,
Eterna sed de amar,

cnhelos y caricias,

De besos y ternuras,
De todas las dulzuras,
Que sabían brindar,

cquellos ojos verdes,
Serenos como un lago,
En cuyas quietas aguas
Un día miraré

No saben las tristezas,
Que en mi alma han dejado
cquellos ojos verdes,
Que yo nunca besaré

No saben las tristezas,
Que en mi alma han dejado,
cquellos ojos verdes
Que yo nunca olvidaré

cquellos ojos verdes,
Que yo nunca olvidaré

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Aquello Ojos Verdes" by Perez Prado and His Orchestra express deep emotions of love and longing through vivid imagery. The song begins by describing the green eyes of a person, emphasizing their serene gaze that has left a lasting impact on the singer's soul. The eyes are portrayed as enchanting and captivating, evoking a constant desire to love and be loved in return.

As the lyrics progress, the singer reminisces about the moments shared with the person whose eyes hold such power over them. There is a sense of yearning for the tenderness, kisses, and caresses that were once exchanged, carrying all the sweetness and affection that defined their relationship. The green eyes are depicted as a source of comfort and tranquility, akin to a calm lake reflecting a peaceful serenity.

However, beneath the surface of this poetic admiration lies a poignant realization of unfulfilled desires and lingering sadness. The singer laments the sorrows that have been etched into their soul by the green eyes that they will never be able to embrace or kiss. There is a sense of longing and regret for what could have been, as well as an acknowledgment of the unattainable nature of the love they yearn for.

In the final verses, the singer's emotions are laid bare as they express the depth of their feelings for the person with the green eyes. Despite the heartache and longing, there is a bittersweet acceptance of the fact that these eyes will forever remain a poignant memory. The green eyes symbolize a love that transcends physical presence, leaving an indelible mark on the singer's heart that they will carry with them always.

Line by Line Meaning

cquellos ojos verdes
Those green eyes

De mirada serena
With a serene gaze

Dejaron en mi alma
Left in my soul

Eterna sed de amar
An eternal thirst for love

cnhelos y caricias
With hugs and caresses

De besos y ternuras
With kisses and tenderness

De todas las dulzuras
Of all the sweetness

Que sabían brindar
That they knew how to offer

Serenos como un lago
Serene like a lake

En cuyas quietas aguas
In whose calm waters

Un día miraré
One day I will look