La Bamba is a Mexican folk song, originally from the state of Veracruz and covered by Selena in 1987 on And The Winner Is... and remixed on her
Debut studio album for the 20 Years of music in 2002.
Origin[]
La Bamba is a classic example of the son jarocho musical style, which originated in the Mexican state of Veracruz and combines Spanish, indigenous, and African musical elements. The song is typically played on one or two arpa jarochas (harps) along with guitar relatives the jarana jarocha and the requinto jarocho. Lyrics to the song vary greatly, as performers often improvise verses while performing. However, versions such as those by musical groups Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and Los Pregoneros del Puerto have survived because of the artists' popularity. The traditional aspect of "La Bamba" lies in the tune, which remains almost the same through most versions. The name of the dance, which has no direct English translation, is presumably connected with the Spanish verb "bambolear", meaning "to sway", "to shake" or "to wobble". Or the name may perhaps be derived from the Kimbundu word "mbamba" meaning "master" as in someone who does something adeptly or skillfully
Lyrics (Selena y Los Dinos Version)[]
Para bailar la bamba
Para bailar la bamba se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia y otra cosa y arriba y arriba
Ah y arriba y arriba yo no soy manidero, yo no soy maniero por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré
Bamba bamba, Bamba bamba, Bamba bamba, Bamba
Para subir el cielo, Para subir el cielo se necesita una ser de la grande, una ser de la grande y un otra chiquita
Ah y arriba y arriba, Ah y arriba y arriba, Ah y arriba y arriba
Yo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán,
Soy capitán, soy capitán
Bamba bamba, Bamba bamba, Bamba bamba, Bamba
Una vez que te dije, Una vez que te dija que eras bonita que se puso la cara, que te puso la cara coloradita y arriba y arriba
Ah y arriba y arriba por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré
Munchos toca La Bamba, muchos toco La Bamba
pero Los Dinos le dan saborcito
le dan saborcito pero bonito
Ah y arriba y arriba, Ah y arriba y arriba
Yo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán,
Soy capitán, soy capitán
Am I bothering you?