La Bamba
Playing for Change Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Ay, arriba arriba
Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere
Yo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitan
Soy capitan, soy capitan
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bam

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Ay, arriba arriba
Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere

Bamba, bamba




Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba.

Overall Meaning

"La Bamba" is a traditional Mexican folk song that has been popularized internationally through various renditions, most notably by Ritchie Valens in 1958. The lyrics describe the joy and liveliness of dancing to the lively beat of the Bamba, emphasizing the need for a little grace and energy to move to the rhythm. The repetition of "para mi, para ti" reinforces the idea that anyone can enjoy and participate in the dance.


The line "yo no soy marinero, soy capitan" translates to "I am not a sailor, I am a captain," implying that the singer is the leader of the dance and guiding others to move to the beat. This assertion of leadership and confidence in the middle of the song adds a layer of pride and power to the lyrics. The repeated "bamba, bamba" refrains serve as a call to action and a reminder of the name of the dance itself.


In summary, "La Bamba" is a celebration of dancing and the joy that comes from moving to the lively beat of the Bamba. The lyrics emphasize the need for a little grace and energy to participate in the dance, while also asserting the power and leadership of the singer.


Line by Line Meaning

Para bailar La Bamba
To dance the Bamba


Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
For me, for you, up above, up above


Se necessita una poca de gracia
A little bit of grace is needed


Una poca de gracia
A little bit of grace


Ay, arriba arriba
Up above, up above


Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere
For you I will be, for you I will be, for you I will be


Yo no soy marinero
I am not a sailor


Soy capitan, soy capitan
I am a captain, I am a captain


Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VALENS, RITCHIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@nellyrivas7742

Out of all the colors...
Out of all the colors I just like green
because hope
because hope never gets lost
well arriba y arriba!
ay arriba, y arriba, y arriba I'll go!
I don't believe in borders
I don't belive in borders, I will cross
I will cross, I will cross~~ (I don't know if it's a universal thing, but from where I'm from green is associated with hope, so it makes sense)

It's a bit of a direct translation and interpretation so it would make sense...
hope it helps <3



All comments from YouTube:

@PlayingForChange

If you are enjoying these videos and want to support PFC visit https://cutt.ly/SupportPFC

@BennilocoLoves

more than words.. 🤗

@josehsanchezm.745

Es una de las canciones más bellas de Latinoamérica. José H. Sánchez

@ednarociogomez

Amo 💜💜

@mauro9400

@@BennilocoLoves j8 voglio ascoltare una canzone di Diana

@syarifahsabira3115

wonderful

11 More Replies...

@PlayingForChange

NEW Song Around The World: "La Bamba", featuring David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos, Andrés Calamaro and La Marisoul. This song takes us on a musical trip from the roots of Mexico into the heart of Africa. Enjoy and spread it around!

@04Tino28

Great music! I like it very much!  Have a nice evening

@CarmenMartinCano

Genial!!!

@shadenrodriguezcueto483

Excelente!! me encanta cada uno de sus temas e interpretaciones!!

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