From various sources and as one can see from video, Puente was an electric performer who always stood up on the timbales. He was an accomplished dancer as well.
Tito Puente is probably the most beloved figure of the music that is now mostly called Latin jazz. When asked if he played salsa, he replied, " I don't play sauce.(the Spanish meaning of the word) I play jazz." Today's most popular artist in Latin jazz, Poncho Sanchez, named his son Tito after Tito Puente.
Many of his records are great, such as "In Session". The quality on record is not as consistent as he apparently was in concert, though. Some recordings are mediocre in quality. The list of people who played with him would fill a who's who of both Jazz and Latin music. His last release was a duo with Eddie Palmieri, the appropriately named " Obra Maestra". If anyone is to name the King of the mambo or the King of Latin Jazz, the most popular answer will be Tito Puente.
What Is This Thing Called Love
Tito Puente & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leading a life apart
When love flew in through my window wide
And quickened my hum-drum heart
Love flew in through my window
I was so happy then
But after love had stayed a little while
Love flew out again
What is this thing called love?
This funny thing called love?
Just who can solve its mystery?
Why should it make a fool of me?
I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw my heart away
That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
What is this thing called love?
You gave me days of sunshine
You gave me nights of cheer
You made my life an enchanted dream
'Til somebody else came near
Somebody else came near you
I felt the winter's chill
And now I sit and wonder night and day
Why I love you still
The lyrics of Tito Puente & His Orchestra's song "What Is This Thing Called Love" explore the experience of love and its unpredictable nature. The singer describes themselves as a hum-drum person, leading a mundane and ordinary life. However, when love unexpectedly enters their life through their window, it brings excitement and joy, revitalizing their monotonous heart. They become happy and content, but love eventually departs, leaving them questioning its true nature.
The chorus poses the question: "What is this thing called love?" The singer acknowledges the whimsical and mysterious nature of love, wondering why it has the power to make a fool of them. They recall seeing someone who captivated their heart, but that person ended up breaking it. Despite the pain and heartache, the singer remains confused and continues to love the one who hurt them.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a hum-drum person
I used to lead a boring and unexciting life
Leading a life apart
Living a life separate from love and happiness
When love flew in through my window wide
Suddenly, love entered my life unexpectedly
And quickened my hum-drum heart
And made my previously dull and lifeless heart beat with excitement
Love flew in through my window
Love came into my life
I was so happy then
I felt immense joy and happiness in that moment
But after love had stayed a little while
However, after love had been present for some time
Love flew out again
Love left just as quickly as it arrived
What is this thing called love?
I am puzzled by the concept of love
This funny thing called love?
This peculiar and unpredictable force known as love
Just who can solve its mystery?
Who can truly understand and unravel the mysteries of love?
Why should it make a fool of me?
Why does love have the power to make me look foolish?
I saw you there one wonderful day
I encountered you on a fantastic and memorable day
You took my heart and threw my heart away
You captured and then discarded my heart without any regard
That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
That's why I seek answers from the higher power, God
What is this thing called love?
I am still desperately trying to comprehend the nature of love
You gave me days of sunshine
You provided me with joyous and bright moments
You gave me nights of cheer
You bestowed upon me evenings filled with happiness
You made my life an enchanted dream
You turned my existence into a magical and captivating reverie
'Til somebody else came near
Until another person entered the picture
Somebody else came near you
Someone else approached and showed interest in you
I felt the winter's chill
I experienced a sudden and cold emptiness
And now I sit and wonder night and day
And now I constantly contemplate and question
Why I love you still
Why I continue to have feelings of love for you despite the pain
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind