Guantanamera
Playing For Change Lyrics

The lyrics to Playing For Change's Guantanamera are a beautiful expression of the artist's deep connection to their homeland and their desire to share the essence of their being through their verses. The first stanza, "Yo soy un hombre sincero, De donde crece la palma, Y antes de morirme quiero, Echar mis versos del alma, Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera," speaks of the artist's sincerity and authenticity. They are a man from the land where palms grow, and before they die, they want to share the verses that flow from their soul. The repetition of "Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera" emphasizes the song's connection to the land and the people who inhabit it.

The second stanza, "Mi verso es de un verde claro, Y de un carmín encendido, Mi verso es un ciervo herido, Que busca en el monte amparo, Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera," describes the artist's poetry as a clear green mixed with a fiery red, representing the passion and energy that flows through their words. Their poetry is like a wounded deer searching for sanctuary in the mountains. Again, the refrain of "Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera" highlights the artist's connection to their culture and land.

The third stanza, "Cultivo una rosa blanca, En julio como en enero, Para el amigo sincero, Que me da su mano franca, Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera," speaks of the artist cultivating a white rose in July and January for a sincere friend who offers an open hand. This stanza emphasizes the importance of friendship and the beauty of cultivating relationships.

The final stanza, "Con los pobres de la tierra, Quiero yo mi suerte echar, El arroyo de la sierra, Me complace más que el mar, Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera," expresses the artist's desire to be with the poor of the land and to share their luck. They find more joy in the streams of the mountains than in the vastness of the sea. This stanza reflects the importance of community and connection to the land and its people.