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.

Ciribiribin
Perez Prado and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the moon hangs low in Napoli
There's a handsome gondolier
Every night he sings so happily
So his lady love can hear
In a manner oh gravissimo
He repeats his serenade,
And his heart beats so fortissimo
When she raises her Venetian shade

Ciribiribin, chiribiribin, ciribiribin

Ciribiribin, he waits for her each night beneath her balcony
Ciribiribin, he begs to hold her tight, but no, she won't agree
Ciribiribin, she throws a rose and blows a kiss from up above
Ciribiribin, ciribiribin, ciribiribin, they're so in love

Ciribiribin, ciribiribin, ciribiribin, they're so in love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Perez Prado and His Orchestra's song "Ciribiribin" tell the story of a gondolier in Napoli (Naples) who is deeply in love with a woman. The song sets the scene by mentioning the moon hanging low in Napoli, creating a romantic atmosphere. The gondolier is described as handsome and every night he sings happily, hoping his serenade will reach his lady love.

The gondolier's serenade is characterized by a serious and deep tone, described as gravissimo. He sings with strong emotions, as his heart beats loudly and passionately when his love raises her Venetian shade to listen to his song. This portrays the gondolier's intense desire for the woman's attention and affection.

In the chorus, the word "Ciribiribin" is repeated three times, creating a melodic and catchy refrain. It represents the sound of the gondolier's serenade, which captures the essence of his love and longing.

Despite his nightly serenades, the gondolier's efforts to win the woman's heart are in vain. He waits beneath her balcony, begging to hold her tightly, but she refuses his advances. However, she still acknowledges his affection by throwing a rose and blowing him a kiss from above. This gesture suggests that she appreciates his devotion and love, even if she is not yet ready to fully reciprocate.

The repetition of the chorus at the end emphasizes the deep love shared between the gondolier and the woman. Despite the rejection, they are still so in love with each other. The song leaves the listeners with the image of two passionate souls longing for a deeper connection, their love remaining strong despite the obstacles they face.

Line by Line Meaning

When the moon hangs low in Napoli
During the evening when the moon is low in the sky in the city of Napoli

There's a handsome gondolier
A good-looking boatman who operates a gondola

Every night he sings so happily
He joyfully sings every evening

So his lady love can hear
To ensure that his beloved woman can listen to his song

In a manner oh gravissimo
In an extremely serious manner

He repeats his serenade
He sings his romantic song again and again

And his heart beats so fortissimo
His heart pounds loudly

When she raises her Venetian shade
When she lifts the window covering in the Venetian style

Ciribiribin, chiribiribin, ciribiribin
An expression used to evoke a cheerful, lively atmosphere

Ciribiribin, he waits for her each night beneath her balcony
He patiently waits for her every night under her balcony

Ciribiribin, he begs to hold her tight, but no, she won't agree
He pleads to embrace her tightly, but unfortunately, she refuses

Ciribiribin, she throws a rose and blows a kiss from up above
She tosses a rose and sends a kiss from the higher position

Ciribiribin, ciribiribin, ciribiribin, they're so in love
They are deeply and passionately in love with each other

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HOWARD E JOHNSON, ALBERTO PESTALOZZA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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