A Rock and Roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens' recording career lasted only eight months. During this time, however, he scored several hits, most notably "La Bamba", which was originally a Mexican folk song that Valens transformed with a rock rhythm and beat that became a hit in 1958, making Valens a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement.
Valens died in a plane crash outside Clear Lake, Iowa while on the Winter Dance Party tour. Also killed in the crash were the pilot of the plane and rock and roll stars Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. The song American Pie, by Don McLean is a tribute to the three musicians who died, and a reflection of the changes in music since their deaths. In the song he calls the day of their death "the day the music died," a phrase that came from newspaper headlines that announced the tragedy on February 3, 1959
Brought up hearing traditional Mexican mariachi music, as well as flamenco guitar, R&B and jump blues, by the age of 5 he expressed an interest in making music of his own. He was encouraged by his father to take up guitar and trumpet, and it is also known that he later taught himself the drums. One day, a neighbour came across Ritchie trying to play a guitar that had only two strings. He re-strung the instrument, and taught Ritchie the fingerings of some chords. While Ritchie was left-handed, he was so eager to learn the guitar that he mastered the traditionally right-handed version of the instrument. By the time he was attending Pacoima Jr. High School, his proficiency on the guitar was such that he brought the instrument to school and would sing and play songs to his friends on the bleachers.
When he was sixteen years old, he was invited to join a local band named The Silhouettes as guitarist. Later on, the main vocalist left the group and Ritchie assumed this position as well. In addition to the performances with The Silhouettes, he would play solo at parties and other social gatherings.
A completely self-taught musician, Valenzuela was an accomplished singer and guitarist. At his appearances he often improvised new lyrics and added new riffs to popular songs while he was playing. This is an aspect of his music that is, sadly, not heard in his commercial studio recordings. Due to his high-energy performances, Valenzuela earned the nickname "The Little Richard of the Valley".
In 2002, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "La Bamba" was named one of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, "La Bamba" was named #345 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time.
Rock Little Darling
Ritchie Valens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just waitin' for you, darlin'
I wanna get to the dance tonight
Come on let's rock all day
Well now every time I come here
You're fixin' your hair, come on little baby
Let's go to the hop and rock it up tonight, dear
Well now, just rock along, baby
You know, rock along, baby
Just rock, little darlin'
Rock it up tonight
Well now every time I come here
You're fixin' your hair, come on little baby
Let's do the hop and rock it up tonight, dear
'Cause [Incomprehensible]
Well now, just rock along, baby
You know, rock along, baby
Just rock, little darlin'
Rock it up tonight
Come on let's rock all the way
The lyrics of Ritchie Valens's song "Rock Little Darlin" portray a young man trying to convince a girl to go out dancing with him. The singer expresses his eagerness to go out and have a good time with the girl, encouraging her to let her hair down and "rock it up" with him. He seems to be frustrated that the girl is taking so long to get ready, reflecting impatience in his voice. The repetition of the phrase "just rock, little darlin'," suggests a sense of urgency and a desire to get to the dancing as soon as possible.
The lyrics themselves are fairly straightforward and do not delve too deeply into any particular emotion or situation. This simplicity, however, is part of what made Ritchie Valens such a beloved artist - his ability to convey youthful energy and excitement through his music resonated with listeners at the time and continues to do so today. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus make the song an ideal dance tune, perfect for getting people out on the dance floor and moving their bodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Well now little girl, how can I be so tired
I am eagerly waiting for you, my love! How can I feel tired when I am just excited and waiting for your arrival?
Just waitin' for you, darlin'
I am eagerly waiting for you, my love!
I wanna get to the dance tonight
I want to dance with you tonight!
Come on let's rock all day
Let us dance and have fun all day!
You're fixin' your hair, come on little baby
You're putting too much effort into looking good, let's go have some fun, my love!
Let's go to the hop and rock it up tonight, dear
Let's go to the party and have an amazing time tonight!
'Cause [Incomprehensible]
Just enjoy the moment with me!
Just rock along, baby
Just dance with me, my love!
You know, rock along, baby
You know how to dance, my love, let's have fun together!
Just rock, little darlin'
Dance with me, my love
Rock it up tonight
Let's have an amazing time together, tonight!
Come on let's rock all the way
Let us dance and have fun all night long!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RITCHIE VALENS, ROBERT KUHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bennyjazzful
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.
@jakeuhhb2
Max Uballez of the Romancers brought this song to life… it isnt the same without Ritchie but you can tell he did it in tribute. Also, on Bob Keanes Donna Label
@Wolfhoundersful
Well now little girl, how can I be so tired
Just waitin' for you, darlin'
I wanna get to the dance tonight
Come on let's rock all day
Well now every time I come here
You're fixin' your hair, come on little baby
Let's go to the hop and rock it up tonight, dear
'Cause might hold just hands
Well now, just rock along, baby
You know, rock along, baby
Just rock, little darlin'
Rock it up tonight
Well now every time I come here
You're fixin' your hair, come on little baby
Let's do the hop and rock it up tonight, dear
'Cause might hold just hands
Well now, just rock along, baby
You know, rock along, baby
Just rock, little darlin'
Rock it up tonight
Come on let's rock all the way
@Tony81444
Hey i never lisen that song of Ritchie before
@Latevious6357
Never heard this song