His musical career started at age 17 while he was doing his military service in the recently formed FAR (Revolutionary Armed Forces) created in late 1961 after the failed invasion of Cuba by the U.S.A. led mainly by the C.I.A. and the Cuban exiles in that country, the self-titled "Gusanos", ordered by former president John F. Kennedy.
The bombings by the U.S.A. where targeted mainly towards the urban settlements in La Habana, Santiago de Cuba and San Antonio de los Baños, the latter in which Silvio was living at the time. He was working as an educator for the Alphabetization Program of the Revolution in which he taught History, Mathematics, Geography, Grammar and Politics.
Esteban Baños was the friend that taught him how to play guitar while they were in the army, it was around 1964 when Silvio wrote his first songs. In 1967 he finished his Army training and started his career as a musician mainly as a solo artist but also shortly as a part of the Grupo de Experimentación Sonora del ICAIC (GESI).
Pioneros
Silvio Rodríguez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Me puse las alas, me sentí mejor
Porque oyendo un cantar de pioneros
Me sentí más lleno de patria y amor
Fue como regresar a un lugar
Donde guardo raíces y luceros
Fue como si mi niña cantara
Fui papá de un pionero de guerra
Aquí en esta tierra cantándole al sol
Fue como regresar a un lugar
Donde guardo raíces y luceros
Fue como si mi niña cantara
Y, más, me abrazara en aquella canción
Fui papá de un pionero de guerra
Aquí en esta tierra cantándole al sol
In this song, Silvio Rodriguez reflects on his visit to a "sanzala," which can be translated to mean a type of communal living space, often used to refer to a slave encampment in Portuguese-speaking countries. However, in the context of this song, it may be referring to a similar type of communal living space for marginalized groups. Silvio describes feeling uplifted and empowered after hearing a song performed by the "pioneros" (pioneers), who may represent a group of young people who have dedicated themselves to fighting for their rights and the rights of their people. He feels a deep connection to his roots and his country, and the song serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the struggle that continues.
Silvio also reflects on his personal connection to the cause, as he was once the "papa de un pionero de guerra" (father of a pioneer of war). This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that he has lost a loved one to the struggle, much like many others who have fought for their rights in Latin America. The reference to singing to the sun is also significant, as it suggests that the struggle is ongoing and that it requires a constant effort to keep moving forward.
Overall, "Pioneros" is a song that reflects on the power of music to unite people and remind them of their shared heritage and struggles. Silvio Rodriguez deftly captures the spirit of a generation that has been inspired to fight for their rights and a better future for themselves and their communities.
Line by Line Meaning
El domingo me fui a la sanzala
On Sunday, I went to the Sanzala (a place where slaves were kept during colonization).
Me puse las alas, me sentí mejor
I found solace by listening to the song of the pioneers, which uplifted me and made me feel better.
Porque oyendo un cantar de pioneros
Because by listening to the song of pioneers.
Me sentí más lleno de patria y amor
I felt more patriotic and full of love for my country.
Fue como regresar a un lugar
It was like going back to a place where I kept my roots and memories.
Donde guardo raíces y luceros
A place where I store both my roots and bright stars that guide me.
Fue como si mi niña cantara
It was like my daughter was singing to me.
Y, más, me abrazara en aquella canción
And, even more, she was hugging me through that song.
Fui papá de un pionero de guerra
I was the father of a pioneer of war.
Aquí en esta tierra cantándole al sol
Right here, on this land, singing to the sun.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Silvio Rodriguez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nicolas Ruge
El domingo me fui a la sanzala
me puse las alas, me sentí mejor
porque oyendo un cantar de pioneros
me sentí mas lleno de patria y amor.
Fue como regresar a un lugar
donde guardo raíces y luceros
fue como si mi niña cantara
y más me abrazara en aquella canción
fui papa de un pionero de guerra
aquí en esta tierra cantándole al sol.
Fue como regresar a un lugar...
Paola Morales
Silvio eres lo mas hermozo que me ha pasado tus canciones son como una carici al alma eres el mejor trovador de todos los tiempos te amo infinitamente gracias
carlos mario Alvarez
De dónde sos
intosicao
Una pieza de canción que tiene mucho para disfrutar, esa voz, esa guitarra relaja
grande Silvio :D
Adrián Tejeda
¡Genial! Gracias por tu aporte, hermano, siempre son geniales.
Camilo Flores
Tiene los acordes del himno de Cuba, que patriota Silvio..
Javier Oz
espectacular registro!!!!!!, muchas gracias por compartirlo
cronopiacronopia
Maravilloso! Gracias por compartirlo :)
MaximusPro21
Silvio el inmortal...grande maestro
Marcos Armando Robles
...fue como regresar a un lugar, donde guardo raices y luceros...
Evelyne Solano
Hermosa canción