The son of Latin trumpet player René López, a founding member of the semina… Read Full Bio ↴The son of Latin trumpet player René López, a founding member of the seminal Latin group Tipica 73, Rene Lopez Jr. grew up surrounded by both Latin music and urban pop. He spent his youth divided between salsa clubs where his father was performing, and the rock, r&b and hip hop music he and his peers enjoyed. His own musical career began playing drums, but it was his discovery of Prince that led him to pick up a wider range of instruments, and to step up to the microphone to sing. Starting in college, Rene was the lead singer and songwriter for The Authority, a cult favorite in the early 90's New York rock scene.

Eventually Rene began synthesizing his influences, combining rock and hip-hop with Boogaloo - a distinctly Nuyorcian sound that is rooted in mambo, soul, and R&B. E.L.S. is the natural result: A nod to Rene's Latin roots, with an eye on modern electronic music and good ol' rock-and-roll.

Rene Lopez will release his new full-length, E.L.S., this July on Nat Geo Music. The album's title refers to a style Lopez has been developing over the past few years, a now-signature sound he calls "Electric Latin Soul." The sound is a celebration of Rene's dual identity as both a native New Yorker and a second generation Puerto Rican American, and mixes Latin soul and Boogaloo with rock, hip-hop and R&B, featuring a seductive blend of hypnotic rhythms and Rene's undeniably soulful voice. E.L.S. features co-producers Mario Caldato Jr., a.k.a. Mario C (Beastie Boys, Jack Johnson, Bebel Gilberto) and Jason Lader (Julian Casablancas, Jenny Lewis), as well as special guests Joey Altruda, and Money Mark (John Butler Trio).

Shing-a-Ling is What I Bring
Rene Lopez Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now you know; I flow like King Nando
I got the bang bang the boogie and the soul
If you step to me we'll go toe to toe
My hands are hard when I hit the bongos
Nuyoricans in the house say yeah
Its' time to bring back the sound we once bled
Latins, Prado
The party started in the barrio

Shing-A-Ling is what I bring when I step into the ring
Shing-A-Ling is what I bring stand back and let me sing my Shing-A-Ling
I was born the magic year of '69 so I know a thing or two about those times my family tree has so many roots in boogalo
I've got the swing the charm and attitude
No reggaeton plays from my stereo
I like that rock-n-roll and punk mambo
so let me meditate before I hit the stage
My ELS is ready for the space age
Shing-A-Ling is what I bring
when I step into the ring
Shing-A-Ling is what I bring
when I step into the ring
stand back and let me sing my Shing-A-Ling
Shing-A-Ling is what I bring when I step into the ring
Shing-A-Ling is what I bring stand back and let me sing my Shing-A-Ling
Shing-A-Ling is what I bring when I step into the ring Shing-A-Ling
Shing-A-Ling is what I bring stand back and let me sing my Shing-A-Ling

Shing-A-Ling Shing-A-Ling Shing Shing Shing Shing Shing-A-Ling
Shing Shing Shing Shing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rene Lopez's song "Shing-a-Ling is What I Bring" are full of references to his Latin roots and the music that has influenced him throughout his life. The song starts with a bold declaration of his abilities as a musician, comparing himself to "King Nando" in terms of his flow and rhythm. He then goes on to describe the different elements of his sound, including the "bang bang the boogie and the soul," as well as his prowess on the bongos.

Lopez clearly sees himself as part of a larger community of Latin musicians, shouting out to the "Nuyoricans in the house" and referencing Tito Puente's band leader Mario Bauza ("Latins, Prado"). He also acknowledges the roots of the boogaloo sound that he has drawn from, saying that "the party started in the barrio." Throughout the song, he emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating these musical traditions, even as he adds his own unique flavor to the mix.

One of the most memorable lines of the song is the repeated refrain, "Shing-A-Ling is what I bring," which serves as a kind of mantra for Lopez's musical mission. He wants his audience to know that when he steps into the ring (presumably meaning the stage), he brings a distinctive sound that blends Latin and rock influences in a way that is all his own. The repetition of the phrase builds momentum and excitement, encouraging listeners to get up and dance.

Line by Line Meaning

Now you know; I flow like King Nando
I am a confident and skilled performer, comparable to a respected figure like King Nando.

I got the bang bang the boogie and the soul
My music has a dynamic and soulful quality with a strong beat.

If you step to me we'll go toe to toe
If someone challenges me, I am ready to face them head-on.

My hands are hard when I hit the bongos
I am a skilled musician and can play percussion instruments powerfully.

Nuyoricans in the house say yeah
People of Puerto Rican descent from New York City are here and excited about the music.

Its' time to bring back the sound we once bled
We should revive and celebrate the music that has been important to us.

Latins, Prado
Referencing the influential Latin Jazz musician Tito Puente and the band leader Pérez Prado.

The party started in the barrio
This music has roots in Latino neighborhoods and communities.

Shing-A-Ling is what I bring when I step into the ring
My signature style and sound is what I offer when I perform.

Shing-A-Ling is what I bring stand back and let me sing my Shing-A-Ling
I am confident in my performance and want to showcase my unique style.

I was born the magic year of '69 so I know a thing or two about those times my family tree has so many roots in boogalo
I was born during an important time for music and my upbringing is connected to the boogaloo music genre.

I've got the swing the charm and attitude
I possess a natural talent and charisma for performing.

No reggaeton plays from my stereo
I do not play the popular reggaeton music genre.

I like that rock-n-roll and punk mambo
I am influenced by rock and punk, as well as Latin music styles.

so let me meditate before I hit the stage
I take time to mentally prepare myself before performing for an audience.

My ELS is ready for the space age
My guitar is technologically advanced and ready for the future.

Shing-A-Ling is what I bring when I step into the ring
My signature style and sound is what I offer when I perform.

Shing-A-Ling is what I bring stand back and let me sing my Shing-A-Ling
I am confident in my performance and want to showcase my unique style.

Shing-A-Ling is what I bring when I step into the ring Shing-A-Ling
My signature style and sound is what I offer when I perform.

Shing-A-Ling is what I bring stand back and let me sing my Shing-A-Ling
I am confident in my performance and want to showcase my unique style.

Shing-A-Ling Shing-A-Ling Shing Shing Shing Shing Shing-A-Ling
Repeated reference to the signature sound and style of the performer.

Shing Shing Shing Shing
Another reference to the signature sound and style of the performer.

Contributed by Joseph J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.