La Bamba
The Kingston Trio Lyrics


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Bob Shane/Nick Reynolds/John Stewart
Baila baila baila bamba. Baila, baila, baila bamba, seres a si' una poca de gracia.
Una poca de gracia para mi para ti why'ariba, why'ariba.
A why' ariba, ariba, por ti sere, yo no soy marinero. Yo no soy marinero, por ti sere por ti sere.
Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba.




Overall Meaning

The Kingston Trio's song "La Bamba" is a classic tune in the genre of folk-pop. The lyrics are in Spanish, and although some may find them difficult to decipher, they hold deeper meanings to them. The song starts with "Baila baila baila bamba," which translates to "Dance, dance, dance Bamba." The singer is urging listeners to participate in this popular dance that originated in Veracruz, Mexico, in the 19th century. The second line "Baila, baila, baila bamba, seres a si' una poca de gracia" is telling the listener to dance with grace and exude joy.


The following line "Una poca de gracia para mi para ti why'ariba, why'ariba" means "A little bit of grace for me and for you, up we go." The singer is inviting the listeners to participate in the fun of dancing despite any differences. The chorus of the song emphasizes the presence of the dancer, "A why' ariba, ariba, por ti sere, yo no soy marinero. Yo no soy marinero, por ti sere por ti sere," which translates to "Up we go, up, up, I'll be there for you. I'm not a sailor, but I'll be there for you." Overall, the song La Bamba is about coming together to dance and have a good time, despite any barriers in front of us.


Line by Line Meaning

Baila baila baila bamba.
Dance, dance, dance the bamba.


Baila, baila, baila bamba, seres a si' una poca de gracia.
Dance, dance, dance the bamba, you will look graceful doing it.


Una poca de gracia para mi para ti why'ariba, why'ariba.
A little grace for me and you, up high, up high.


A why' ariba, ariba, por ti sere, yo no soy marinero.
Up high, up high, for you I will do it, I am not a sailor.


Yo no soy marinero, por ti sere por ti sere.
I am not a sailor, but for you I will be, for you I will be.


Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba.
Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba. Bamba, bamba.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Rotana Publishing s.a.r.l., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ritchie Valens

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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