About The Song
“La Bamba” is a classic rock and roll song by Ritchie Valens, released in 1958. It is one of the most well-known and enduring songs of the rock and roll era. Here are five facts about the song:
- Traditional Mexican Folk Song Adaptation: “La Bamba” is an adaptation of a traditional Mexican folk song from the Veracruz region. Ritchie Valens, a Mexican-American musician, transformed the traditional tune into an upbeat rock and roll version, adding his own flair to the arrangement.
- Bilingual Lyrics: The lyrics of “La Bamba” are primarily in Spanish, making it one of the first mainstream rock and roll songs with bilingual lyrics. This helped bridge cultural gaps and introduced a broader audience to Latin American musical elements.
- Commercial Success: “La Bamba” was a commercial success, reaching No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It became Valens’ highest-charting single and remains his most well-known song.
- Influence on Chicano Rock: Ritchie Valens, along with “La Bamba,” played a crucial role in the development of Chicano rock. As one of the first Mexican-American artists to achieve mainstream success, Valens inspired later generations of Latinx musicians.
- Tragic Legacy: Ritchie Valens’s career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, along with Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. This event, often referred to as “The Day the Music Died,” left an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll. “La Bamba” remains an enduring tribute to Valens and his cultural impact.
Video
Lyrics
Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa’ mí, pa’ ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Y arriba, y arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seréYo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán
Soy capitán, soy capitán
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bamPara bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa’ mí, pa’ ti, ay arriba, ay arribaPara bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa’ mí, pa’ ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Y arriba, y arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seréBamba, bamba
Bamba, bambaBamba, bamba