Guantanamera
Wyclef Jean feat. Refugee Allstars Lyrics

Spanish Harlem!
We're talking about New York City, representing the uptown part of town, where there's a large Hispanic community. This is where the music comes from.

Boogie Down Bronx!
A call to acknowledge another local influence on the music - the South Bronx.

Manhattan!
Referencing the other most well-known borough of New York City. The song is a tribute to the diversity of the city and its many different cultures.

Back to Staten!
A nod to the Wu-Tang Clan, who hailed from Staten Island and made their mark on the city's music scene.

Guantanamera
The title of a classic Cuban folk song, which has been covered by many artists over the years. The song is about a woman named Guantanamera who is full of life and energy.

Hey yo I'm standing at the bar with a, Cuban cigar
The singer is in a bar enjoying a Cuban cigar - a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

Guajira, Guantanamera
Guajira is a type of Cuban music that is often played alongside Guantanamera. The line is an invitation to dance.

Hey, yo, I think she's eyeing me from afar
The artist is noticing a woman showing interest in him from across the room.

Yo, I wrote this in Haiti, overlooking Cuba
The artist is reflecting on the inspiration for the song, which he wrote while in Haiti, looking out over the ocean towards Cuba.

I asked her what's her name, she said, 'Guantanamera'
The artist introduces the woman who inspired the song - she shares the same name as the classic Cuban folk song.

She went from a young girl, to a grown woman
The singer is reflecting on the passage of time - the woman he's singing about has grown up.

Like a Virgin, so she sex with no average man
A reference to the Madonna song 'Like a Virgin' - the woman is sexually experienced and does not settle for just anyone.

Peep the figure, move like a caterpillar
The singer is admiring the woman's body and her dance moves.

Fly like a butterfly, let your soul feel her glide
A continuation of the admiration for the woman's movement and aura.

Pac Woman better yet Space Invader
A reference to classic video games - the woman could be seen as a powerful, unstoppable force.

If your name was Chun-Li, we'd be playin' Street Fighter
Another video game reference - Chun-Li is a character from the Street Fighter franchise.

Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for your kiss
A romantic offer - the artist is willing to pay for the woman's thoughts and affection.

A dime if you tell me that you love me
Upping the ante - the singer is offering even more money for the woman's love.

Soy una mujer, sincera
A woman's voice enters the song, singing in Spanish. The line means 'I am a sincere woman'.

Do you speak English?
The woman is addressing the listener, asking if they speak English.

De donde crecen las palmas
Another line from the traditional Cuban song Guantanamera. It means, 'Where the palms grow.'

Can I buy you a drink?
A classic pickup line - the woman is offering to buy the listener a drink.

You killin me
A playful response to the flirtation - the listener is having a strong effect on the woman.

Y antes de morir, yo quiero
The woman continues her verse, singing 'Before I die, I want...'

Cantar mis versos del alma
She wants to sing the verses from her soul - expressing her true self.

Te quiero mama, te quiero!
A declaration of love to the woman's mother - a nod to the deep importance of family in Hispanic culture.

Yo, she was a rose in Spanish Harlem, mamacita beg your pardon
A continuation of the singer's admiration for the woman - this time picturing her as a beautiful rose in the heart of New York City.

Make stakes at a faster rate then she fornicates
A clever rhyme - the woman is fast and efficient, able to make money quickly.

Pure traits of genius, Goddess of Black Venus
The woman is being elevated to a higher status - she possesses incredible intellect and beauty.

Crab niggaz angry cause they can't get between us
Jealousy from other men who are unable to get the woman's attention.

To no sele-xion, smooth complex-ion
A play on words - the woman is so beautiful that she is not limited to any one race or skin color.

The lexicon of Lexington, parents came from Cuba
Another reference to the blending of cultures in New York City - the woman's parents are from Cuba, but she was raised in the US.

Part Mexican, pure sweet, dimes fell to her feet
The woman's mixed heritage only adds to her allure - she is beautiful and magnetic.

She like Movado, and shook her hips like Delgado
Two more references to Latinx culture - Movado is a popular watch brand, and Delgado means 'thin'. The woman is graceful and stylish.

And broke niggaz down from the Grounds to Apollo
The woman's charms are so strong that they affect people from all walks of life - from the ghetto to the famous theater district in Harlem.

and then some, she took her act sent it to dim sum
The woman's success takes her to Chinatown, where she enjoys the finest dim sum in the city.

And waited patiently while the businessmen come
She is both talented and savvy - the woman knows she can make money from her talents and is willing to wait for the right opportunities.

Call late on purpose, got even politicians nervous
Playing hard to get is a part of her strategy - even powerful politicians are intimidated by her.

And made plans to infiltrate the street secret service
Another reference to the woman's cunning and power - she is able to make connections even in the shadowy world of underground politics.

This gentle flower, fertility was her power
Despite her beauty and charm, the woman is also gentle and nurturing.

Sweet persona, Venus Flytrap primadonna
A Venus Flytrap is a carnivorous plant - the woman is powerful and in control, but also sweet and alluring.

Que sera que sera she turned dinero to dinera
Using Spanish again, the woman has turned her money into more money - her skills and success only continue to grow.