In 1998, the band Santana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Carlos Santana, José "Chepito" Areas, David Brown, Gregg Rolie, Mike Carabello, and Michael Shrieve The band has earned nine Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards, the latter all in 2000. Carlos Santana won a Grammy Award as a solo artist in 1988. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling groups of all time. In 2013, Santana announced a reunion of the classic line-up for a new album, Santana IV, which was released in April 2016. They are tied for having the most won Grammy Awards in one night.
Hermes
Santana Lyrics
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Shala maleku maleku shala
Odi ere odi oda
Quim yambo ja aem bambe
Ian iamboo do pue
Ah quini quini rule
Aqui con santana cantando
Rule, rule, rule, rule, baila
Rule, rule, rule
Rule, rule, rule
Rule, rule, rule, rule
The song "Hermes" by Santana features lyrics that are primarily in African or Afro-Cuban languages, making interpretation a bit challenging. The opening line, "Shala maleku maleku shala," is a chant used in a Cuban Yoruba ceremony to summon the presence of the Orishas, or deities. The next line, "Odi ere odi oda," is a chant used to ask the Orisha Oshun for blessings, particularly in regards to love and fertility. "Quim yambo ja aem bambe" is another Yoruba chant, evoking the Orisha of the same name, who represents thunder and lightning.
The rest of the lyrics focus on the repetition of the phrase "Rule, rule," which is likely a reference to the Afro-Cuban tradition of the rumba. In rumba, “ruleta” means roulette or wheel, and “rueda” means wheel or circle. "Rule, rule" could be seen as a riff on these terms, emphasizing the cyclical repetition and improvisation that are key components of rumba.
Overall, the lyrics of "Hermes" seem to be invoking a variety of Yoruba and Afro-Cuban religious and cultural traditions, as well as nodding to the improvisational, cyclical nature of rumba music.
Line by Line Meaning
Rule, rule
Following an established guideline, a set of standards, or a predetermined way of doing things.
Shala maleku maleku shala
A chant or exclamation used to convey a sense of energy or excitement.
Odi ere odi oda
An expression of sound that does not have a literal meaning and is used enhance the experience of the music and lyrics.
Quim yambo ja aem bambe
Another example of an expression meant to enhance the musical experience and is not meant to be taken literally.
Ian iamboo do pue
Another expression used to enhance the musical experience and does not have a literal meaning.
Ah quini quini rule
A call-to-action or instruction to follow the established rule or way of doing things.
Aqui con santana cantando
Implies a sense of unity and collaboration in the experience of the music and shared meaning through the lyrics.
Rule, rule, rule, rule, baila
An encouragement to dance to the beat and rhythm of the music while following the established rule or way of doing things.
Rule, rule, rule
Reinforcement of the pre-established, guideline, set of standards, or predetermined way of doing things.
Rule, rule, rule, rule
Further reinforcement of the pre-established, guideline, set of standards, or predetermined way of doing things.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Simon Pierre Justin Jurad, Carlos Santana
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind