Born Ernesto Antonio Puente, Jr., on April 20, 1923, in el barrio Spanish harlem, New York, Puente was a musical pioneer for mixing musical styles with Latin sounds and for his experiments in fusing Latin music with jazz. The son of Puerto Rican immigrants, Puente grew up in New York City's Spanish Harlem and took piano lessons as a child and then studied percussion. He became a professional musician at age 13. Tito Puente later learned to play a number of instruments, including the piano, saxophone, vibraphone, and timbales (paired high-pitched drums). After an apprenticeship in the historic Machito Orchestra, he was drafted and served in the navy during World War II.
Once he returned to New York in 1945, Puente used money from the G.I. Bill to study at the famed Juilliard School of Music. He formed a band that would later be known as the Tito Puente Orchestra in 1948. By the 1950s, crowds came to see his band play and Puente became a Latin music sensation. In 1958, his best-selling album, Dance Mania, was released. More hit records followed as the world enjoyed the way Puente put a big band spin on traditional Latin dances.
He added other Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms to his repertoire, including cha cha, merengue, bossa nova, and salsa, and among his notable songs are Babarabatiri, Ran Kan Kan, and Oye Como Va. Puente also performed with leading jazz performers, including George Shearing and Woody Herman, as well as with many stars of Latin music and, in later years, with symphony orchestras.
During a career that spanned more than five decades, Puente became a musical legend in Latin music and jazz circles. He made more than 100 albums and created more than 200 compositions. Puente received numerous awards for his work, including five Grammy Awards. Sometimes called the "King of Latin Jazz" or simply "El Rey" - The King - he made an indelible mark on the popular culture. The writer Oscar Hijuelos made him a character in his 1989 novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, and Puente appeared as himself in the 1992 film adaptation. He also guest starred on numerous television shows, such as The Simpsons.
Tito Puente died on May 31, 2000, while in the hospital for heart surgery in New York, New York. Adored by his fans, many people waited in line for days to say good-bye to the popular bandleader.
temptation
Tito Puente Lyrics
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I should have known you were temptation
You smiled, luring me on
My heart was gone, you were temptation
It would be thrilling
If you were willing
If it can never be
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
You were born to be kissed
I can't resist.
You are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
The lyrics to Tito Puente's song, Temptation, are about giving in to seduction, desire, and being enslaved by it. It talks about the moment when a person feels helpless and vulnerable to the temptress's charms, knowing that they should be wary, but still letting themselves be enticed. The song's opening lines explain the situation perfectly: "You came, I was alone; I should have known you were temptation." The singer knew the situation was dangerous but still couldn't resist.
The song also highlights the emotional push and pull felt by the singer. There is a part of them that acknowledges the danger and the fact that giving in to temptation will only lead to suffering. However, the other side of them is urging them to give in fully to the seduction because it would be thrilling. The theme of slavery is also apparent in the lyrics. The singer acknowledges that they are a slave to the temptress, and she has complete control over them.
Overall, the song is an expression of the struggle between temptation and resistance, and how difficult it can be to resist being drawn into a seductive trap.
Line by Line Meaning
You came, I was alone
When you appeared in my life, I felt lonely.
I should have known you were temptation
Looking back, it was obvious that you were a seductive force that would be hard for me to resist.
You smiled, luring me on
With your charming smile, you drew me closer to you.
My heart was gone, you were temptation
You captured my heart and I became powerless to your allure.
It would be thrilling
The thought of being with you is exciting and tantalizing.
If you were willing
If you reciprocated my feelings and desires, it would be amazing.
If it can never be
However, if we can never be together, then it's a great source of sadness and disappointment.
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
I am at your mercy because you are the one who seduced me with your irresistible charm and I am hopelessly devoted and attached to you.
Here is my heart, take it and say
I am offering you my heart, hoping that you will accept it and choose to be with me.
We'll never part
I hope that we can be together forever and never have to say goodbye.
I'm just a slave
I am completely and utterly under your spell, and I will do anything for you.
Only a slave to you, temptation
I am powerless to resist you, because you are my ultimate temptation and I am willing to do anything to be with you.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LARRY JOHNSON, LARRY CURTIS JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind