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Chango
Ska Cubano Lyrics
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Con los santos no debe jugar (shangó)
Con un santo tu puedes vivir y morir
Con los santos no debe jugar
Los collares debes respetar (shangó)
Los collares debes respetar (shangó)
La promesa tú debes cumplir si quieres vivir
Es mi santo y yo llamo a Shangó (shangó)
Es mi santo y yo llamo a Shangó (shangó)
y tambien Yemayá, Oshún, Obatalá
es mi santo y yo llamo a Shangó
Si yo quiere hablar con Shangó
Si yo quiere hablar con Shangó
Caracoles yo tira, santo
si yo quiere hablar con Shangó
Shangoooó, Obatalá y Yemayá
Shangoooó, Obatalá y Yemayá
Shangoooó, Obatalá y Yemayá
Shangoooó, Obatalá y Yemayá
Shangoooó, Obatalá y Yemayá
Shangoooó, Obatalá y Yemayá
Shangoooooooooooooooooooó
The lyrics to Ska Cubano's song Chango speak of the importance of respecting and honoring the gods and saints of Afro-Cuban religion. The refrain "Con los santos no debe jugar" (You should not play with the saints) is repeated throughout the song as a warning against disrespecting the spirits. The song also emphasizes the necessity of fulfilling promises and respecting the "collares," or beaded necklaces that are often associated with the orishas, or gods.
The lyrics specifically mention the god Chango, as well as Yemaya, Oshun, and Obatala, all important figures in Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion that has its roots in West African and Spanish Catholic traditions. The singer calls on these deities as well as their own santo (or personal saint) in order to communicate with Chango through the use of divination tools known as caracoles, or cowrie shells.
Overall, the lyrics of Chango celebrate the rich spiritual traditions of Cuba and emphasize the importance of honoring and respecting the powerful forces that shape our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Con los santos no debe jugar (shangó)
A warning urging respect towards the saints as playing with them is not advised.
Con un santo tu puedes vivir y morir
The belief that a person's relationship with a saint can determine their life and death.
Los collares debes respetar (shangó)
A reminder to show reverence towards the religious necklaces worn during ceremonies.
La promesa tú debes cumplir si quieres vivir con los santos no debe jugar
Emphasis on fulfilling promises made to the saints as it is crucial for one's survival.
Es mi santo y yo llamo a Shangó (shangó)
Identification of Shangó as the patron saint of the singer who calls on others like Yemayá, Oshún, Obatalá during their communication with the divine.
Si yo quiere hablar con Shangó Caracoles yo tira, santo si yo quiere hablar con Shangó
The act of throwing cowry shells as a way to communicate with Shangó during a divination session.
Shangoooó, Obatalá y Yemayá
Invocation of Shangó, Obatalá and Yemayá as the holy trinity of the Santería religion.
Shangoooooooooooooooooooó
A repeated call to Shangó to evoke his presence and power.
Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.