Tabú
Ska Cubano Lyrics

The lyrics to Ska Cubano's song Tabu reflect a deep sense of cultural longing and displacement. The first couple of lines - "Alma de la África lejana / llena mi pecho de candela" - translate to "Soul of distant Africa / fills my chest with fire." The singer is expressing a deep connection to their African heritage, even though they are likely descended from slaves who were brought to Latin America.

The next lines - "y el pobre como hijo de esclavo / añora siempre las palmeras / latosa selva primitiva / de dioses misteriosos y de guerra" - convey a sense of mourning and loss. The singer is poor and likely marginalized in their society, and they yearn for the palm trees and primitive jungle of their ancestors. They feel a deep connection to the mysterious and warlike gods of their past.

The chorus - "Tierra de la África añoraba / los ríos caudalosos / y el cielo azul / si allí el negro mira la hembra blanca / Tabú / anaguayero" - further reinforces this sense of longing and cultural tension. The singer is desperate for the lush rivers and blue sky of Africa, but there is an unspoken taboo around interracial relationships. The word "anaguayero" is a bit harder to translate, but it likely refers to a rhythmic musical style that originated in Cuba.

Overall, the lyrics to Tabu are a powerful reflection of the complex cultural and racial dynamics in Latin America. The singer is grappling with their African heritage, their present-day poverty, and the societal taboos that keep them from fully expressing themselves. It's a deeply emotional song that highlights the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities across the world.