La Bamba
Sand Pipers Lyrics


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Bam, Bam Bamba, Bam, Bam
You were drowning my darling
And I saved you
Dominating the waves with my love for you

Pero arriba y arriba y arriba ire yo no soy
Marinero por ti sere por ti sere
Por ti sere bam, bam bamba bam bam

On the sand you did write
I will always love you
Then the sand blew away
And your love did too

Pero arriba y arriba y arriba ire yo no soy
Marinero por ti sere por ti sere
Por ti sere bam, bam bamba bam bam

Oh, the crab it is said
Walks in reverse
For your true love, my darling
I'd walk on my head

Pero arriba y arriba y arriba ire yo no soy
Marinero por ti sere por ti sere
Por ti sere bam, bam bamba bam bam

Tu estabas ahogando Tu estabas ahogando
Yo te salve domimando Las olas
Domimando las olas por tu querer
pero y'arriba y'arriba per o'arriba y'arriba,
y'arriba ire yo no soy mari nero
Yo no soy Mari re porti sere





Bam, bam, bamba bam, bam

Overall Meaning

This classic Mexican folk song, famously covered by the Sand Pipers in 1963, tells a story of love and devotion through its simple yet poignant lyrics. The first stanza describes the singer saving their loved one from drowning, using their strong love and willpower to brave the waves and rescue them. This metaphorical act of heroism symbolizes the lengths to which the singer is willing to go for their beloved, even if it means risking their own safety.


The second stanza transitions to a more abstract concept of love, referencing the fleeting nature of emotions and relationships. The singer recalls their loved one writing a message in the sand declaring eternal love, only for the winds to blow it away, representing the impermanence of human connection. Despite this, the singer remains committed to their loved one and willing to continue fighting for their relationship.


The final stanza uses a playful metaphor, noting that crabs walk backwards and declaring that the singer would walk on their head for their love. This fanciful image reinforces the idea that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to protect and nurture their love, even if it seems impossible or irrational.


Line by Line Meaning

Bam, Bam Bamba, Bam, Bam
I saved you while dominating the waves with my love for you


Pero arriba y arriba y arriba ire yo no soy Marinero por ti sere por ti sere Por ti sere bam, bam bamba bam bam
I will go up and up and up, and even though I'm not a sailor, I'll be one for you, my darling


On the sand you did write I will always love you Then the sand blew away And your love did too
You wrote on the sand that you will always love me, but the wind blew it away along with your love


Oh, the crab it is said Walks in reverse For your true love, my darling I'd walk on my head
They say crabs walk backwards, but for your true love, my dear, I'd even walk on my head


Tu estabas ahogando Tu estabas ahogando Yo te salve domimando Las olas Domimando las olas por tu querer pero y'arriba y'arriba per o'arriba y'arriba, y'arriba ire yo no soy mari nero Yo no soy Mari re porti sere
You were drowning, but I saved you by dominating the waves for your love. Even though I'm not a sailor, I'll be one for you, my darling


Bam, bam, bamba bam, bam
Bam, bam, bamba bam, bam




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@AntonioBricioBeltran-xp1kh

I am very sorry for your loose im 73 yrs. i do remember everyones this songs was my mom and dad favorite song love bless everyones 👪

@ramarapo

Hermosa interpretación de La Bamba. Saludos desde México

@totosilaban8743

Their vocals are amazing. Great performance.

@Krose333

Thanks for posting this beautiful song. I grew up hearing this version and the Harry Belafonte version of this long before I ever heard the Richie Valens version. My parents were into the Sandpipers, Dalida, Tijuana Brass and others when I was a child.

@VILJL

The Sandpipers were an American easy listening trio who carved a niche in 1960s folk rock with their vocals and innovative arrangements of international ballads and pop standards. They were active from 1966 through 1975 and best remembered for their cover version of "Guantanamera," in 1966

@totosilaban8743

This cool evening I am listening again this beautiful song.

@alfagetti2

I have the record, the tape and the CD. I love it just as much now as I did then. Gorgeous harmony, beautiful heartfelt song.

@stephenunzueta

Muchisimas gracias

@richardopp4237

I have the album this song is on, have ALWAYS loved it!!

@rubendariovaldiviatrasvina3366

esto si es musica y no porquerias como las quse componen hoy

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