La Bamba lyrics by Ritchie Valens, 31 meanings. La Bamba explained, official 2024 song lyrics | LyricsMode.com
Request & respond explanations
  • Don't understand the meaning of the song?
  • Highlight lyrics and request an explanation.
  • Click on highlighted lyrics to explain.
Ritchie Valens – La Bamba lyrics
Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Ay, arriba arriba
Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere

Yo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitan

Soy capitan, soy capitan
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bam

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba

(Guitar solo - Richie & instrumental)

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Ay, arriba arriba
Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere

Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
FADES-
Bamba, bamba.

English translation:

In order to dance The Bamba
In order to dance the Bamba
You need a little bit of grace
A little bit of grace
For me, for you, ah up, ah up(or higher and higher)
Ah, up, up (literally "faster, faster")
By you I will be, by you I will be, by you I will be
(Por can also mean by and not just for)

I am not a sailor,
I am not a sailor, I am a captain
I am a captain, I am a captain
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bam

In order To dance The Bamba
In order To dance The Bamba
You need a little bit of grace
A little bit of grace
For me, for you, ah up, ah up (higher and higher)

(Guitar only - Richie and set of instruments)

In order to dance The Bamba
In order to dance The Bamba
You need a little bit of grace
A little bit of grace
For me, for you, ah up, ah up
Ah, up, up.
For you I will be, for you I will be, for you I will be
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
FADES-
Bamba, bamba.

(Repeats)
×



Lyrics taken from /lyrics/r/ritchie_valens/la_bamba.html

  • Email
  • Correct
Songwriters: Ritchie Valens
La Bamba lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Corrected by Valmed

La Bamba meanings Post my meaning

  • a
    + 34
    alr
    It's been years that I've been translating this song. It is an old country dance native to the outlying areas of Mexico. I have surveyed a few native Spanish speakers to get the following:.
    Gracia is a cognate and translates directly to grace. You obviously require grace for any kind of dancing. It makes it appear effortless and pleasing to watch. This is accomplished with practice rather than natural ability.
    Yo no soy marinero, soy capitan: I'm the alpha dog, I make the decisions. Ok, that's more than a mere translation.
    Por ti sere: I will be (there) for you. The word "there" is omitted because the Spanish "alli" or "con eso" implies a physical location. This is an abstraction implying "I will provide you emotional support" and is not a love commitment as would be "I am yours." This is just a dance and you are a dance partner!
    Ay arriba: this short phrase is highly idiomatic and does not translate literally at all, especially with the word "ay." This closest you can come to is something like "Yippee" or "Hooray" as an simple cry of joy. An equivalent phrase "ay caramba" means pretty much the opposite.
    Sorry to have taken this beautiful song and tear it apart. It was a good exercise.
    Add your reply
  • d
    + 10
    duhpuck
    @james williams.
    Your translation of "gracia" as "natural ability" would be incorrect even based on the definitions you provided.
    In English, "natural ability" describes an ability which comes naturally, or is innate, as opposed to learned. Gracia, or grace, is the ability to perform an action with beauty and ease, in a manner that feels natural. With much practice, I may learn to dance gracefully, or elegantly, even if I have little "natural ability" to do so.
    Also, translating gracia as "natural ability" entirely loses the connotation of beauty and elegance, as I may have a "natural ability" at math, which has nothing to do with grace.
    Just wanted to clarify on that point since you opted to be technical and seem to be interested in accuracy of the translation.
    1 reply
  • U
    + 9
    Unregistered
    A bit clunky. Try:
    To dance the Bamba
    To dance the bamba requires a little grace,
    A little grace for you and for me.
    Arms up! Arms up!***
    For you I'll be For you I'll be For you I'll be.
    The verse that starts I am not a sailor is correct.
    The rest of the words are repeated.
    ***Arriba can also be used as arms up (in a Spanish dance pose). It is a very common lyric in Spanish dance songs.
    This rock and roll song is believed to be based on a traditional folk song in which the sailor tries to woo women by convincing them that he is a captain.
    Add your reply
  • r
    + 4
    ravu
    Labamba can be interpreted at various level. It's a wonderful song. Sorry guys I love the music though I do not speak the language however knowing the literal meaning of the said lyrics can allow the readers to interpret Labamba at various levels especially talking into account the place & time of when the song was written and by whom also adds another dimension to the whole new meaning of this beautiful song. Certainly songwriters do subtly talk about the state of economy, culture, and even the political stance of the era they live in. Just though of sharing this.
    Add your reply
  • l
    + 1
    LizzyMacbeth
    Hi everybody who did a literal translation,.
    I don't agree. Sure, that may be exactly what it means in spanish, but my guess is that most songs aren't completely literal. This guy is talking about a dance, not taking the National Spanish Exam.
    Because he is talking about a dance, my guess is "Se necesita una poca de gracia" was intended to be "One needs a bit of grace," not "One needs a bit of natural talent." Grace and talent may be *similar* in dancing, but you don't always have natural talent to have grace, and vice versa.
    I would also say that "ay arriba ay arriba" means "faster and faster."
    Add your reply
  • l
    0
    LindaJones
    Google pays for every Person every hour online working from home job. I have received $23K in this month easily and I earns every weeks $5K to 8$K on the internet. Every Person join this working easily by just just open this website and follow instructions....>>>>>> http://www.topearn7.com
    Add your reply
  • a
    0
    AmyBennett
    For what reason are you burning through your time contingent upon your month to month pay when you can work remaining at home with your PC and cell phone you can procure up to $4000 in 6 days or less
    Go ahead and find out more..
    http://www.topearn7.com
    Add your reply
  • m
    0
    MarthaCarter
    I quit working at ShopRite and now I make $65-85 per/h. How? I'm working online! My work didn't exactly make me happy so I decided to take a chance on something new… after 4 years it was so hard to quit my day job but now I couldn't be happier. Here’s what I do… http://www.BizPay1.com
    Add your reply
  • a
    0
    AlexiaAddy
    I am making a real GOOD MONEY ($550 to $750 / hr) online from my laptop. Last month I GOT chek of nearly 85000$, this online work is simple and straightforward, don’t have to go OFFICE, Its home online job. You become independent after joining this JOB. I really thanks to my FRIEND who refer me this SITE….., http://www.EarnCash7.com
    Add your reply
  • v
    0
    Vanitaazelton
    [ JOIN US ] My last pay test was $2500 operating 12 hours per week on line. my sisters buddy has been averaging 15k for months now and she works approximately 20 hours every week. i can not accept as true with how easy it become as soon as i tried it out.
    This is what do,………….. Www.OnlineCash1.com
    Add your reply
  • m
    0
    mlc14737
    I am making $85 an hour working from home. i was greatly surprised at the same time as my neighbour advised me she changed into averaging $95 however I see the way it works now. I experience mass freedom now that I’m my non-public boss.
    That is what I do..https://www.dollars11.com
    Add your reply
  • U
    0
    Unregistered
    I am making $92 an hour working from home. i was greatly surprised at the same time as my neighbour advised me she changed into averaging $ninety five however I see the way it works now. I experience mass freedom now that I’m my non-public boss.
    That is what I do.. https://www.salaryto.com/

    Add your reply
  • U
    0
    Unregistered
    I am making a real GOOD MONEY ($550 to $750 / hr) online from my laptop. Last month I GOT chek of nearly 85000$, this online work is simple and straightforward, don’t have to go OFFICE, Its home online job. You become independent after joining this JOB. I really thanks to my FRIEND who refer me this SITE…..,

    >>>>>>> Www.BizPay1.com
    Add your reply
  • U
    0
    Unregistered
    shut the fuck up, la bamba has always has recognition for Mexicans because of Richie valens because his music brought everyone to dance even if the song was in spanish. let the mexicans have something, were already treated badly by having our family deported and in cages, yea black lives matter but yall always tryna take something from mexicans to have spotlight
    Add your reply
  • U
    0
    Unregistered
    La Bamba has musical origins in Africa and was originated by enslaved people in Mexico, influenced by the mixing of cultures there - enslaved Africans, Spanish colonizers, and indigenous peoples. The folksong and dance have been around for hundreds of years. The original song contains hundreds of verses, and performers sometimes improvise new ones. Black lives matter <3
    Add your reply
  • a
    - 1
    AriannaAddam
    Amazing! I've been making $85 every hour since i started freelancing over the internet half a year ago... I work from home several hours daily and do basic work i get from this company that i stumbled upon online... I am very happy to share this work opportunity to you... It's definetly the best job i ever had...Check it out here... http://www.NewApp1.com
    Add your reply
  • e
    - 1
    evadavid
    I make 85 dollars each hour for working an online job at home. I never thought I could do it but my best friend makes 10000 dollars every month working this job and she recommended me to learn more about it. The potential with this is endless.

    For more detail---------->>> Www.BuzzJoin.Com
    Add your reply
  • z
    - 1
    ZahraKen
    Amazing! I've been making $85 every hour since i started freelancing over the internet half a year ago... I work from home several hours daily and do basic work i get from this company that i stumbled upon online... I am very happy to share this work opportunity to you... It's definetly the best job i ever had...Check it out here... http://www.NewApp1.com
    Add your reply
  • d
    - 1
    DelilahAdfdam
    Amazing! I've been making $85 every hour since i started freelancing over the internet half a year ago... I work from home several hours daily and do basic work i get from this company that i stumbled upon online... I am very happy to share this work opportunity to you... It's definetly the best job i ever had...Check it out here... http://www.NewApp1.com
    Add your reply
  • a
    - 1
    AmandaAddam
    I quit working at shoprite and now I make $65-85 per/h. How? I'm working online! My work didn't exactly make me happy so I decided to take a chance on something new… after 4 years it was so hard to quit my day job but now I couldn't be happier. Here’s what I do…. http://www.NewApp1.com
    Add your reply
  • d
    - 1
    DawnaSmith
    I am making a good salary from home $6580-$7065/week , which is amazing under a year ago I was jobless in a horrible economy. I thank God every day I was blessed with these instructions and now it’s my duty to pay it forward and share it with Everyone,
    COPY and OPEN this site ........>> W­­w­­w.H­­o­­m­­e­­C­­a­­s­­h­­1.C­­o­­m
    Add your reply
  • r
    - 1
    ReeseAddam
    I quit working at shoprite and now I make $65-85 per/h. How? I'm working online! My work didn't exactly make me happy so I decided to take a chance on something new… after 4 years it was so hard to quit my day job but now I couldn't be happier. Here’s what I do…. http://www.WorkJoin1.com
    Add your reply
  • c
    - 1
    CamilleAddam
    I’m making over $7k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided to look into it. Well, it was all true and has totally changed my life. This is where i started... http://www.WorkJoin1.com
    Add your reply
  • n
    - 1
    NatalieAddam
    I’m making over $7k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided to look into it. Well, it was all true and has totally changed my life. This is where i started... http://www.WorkJoin1.com
    Add your reply
  • l
    - 1
    loyito3500

    My real time work with facebook Im making over $2000 a month operating low maint­enance.I continued h­earing distinctive people divulge to me how an lousy lot
    cash they can make on line so I selected to research it. All topics considered, it become all legitimate and has without a doubt changed my life. For more statistics visit below site
    HERE -------->>
    https://www.cash.skyfly8.com
    Add your reply
  • p
    - 1
    powot47682
    My real time work with facebook Im making over $2000 a month operating low maint­enance. I continued h­earing distinctive people divulge to me how an lousy lot cash they can make on line so I selected to research it. All topics considered, it become all legitimate and has without a doubt changed my life. For more statistics visit below site

    HERE -------->> https://www.cash.skyfly8.com
    Add your reply
  • w
    - 1
    waxogaw655
    My last paycheck was $2500 for working 12 hours a week online. My sisters friend has been averaging 8k for months now and she works about 30 hours a week.
    I can't believe how easy it was once I tried it out. The potential with this is endless.
    This is what I do...

    HERE► https://www.cash.works53.com
    Add your reply
  • n
    - 2
    notor91926
    I’m making over $7k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided to look into it. Well, it was all true and has totally changed my life.This is where i started ….
    HERE► https://www.cash.salary23.com
    Add your reply
  • p
    - 2
    Pamela25
    I am making $92 an hour working from home. i was greatly surprised at the same time as my neighbour advised me she changed into averaging $ninety five however I see the way it works now. I experience mass freedom now that I'm my non-public boss.

    That is what I do.....https://www.easywork2.com/
    Add your reply
  • U
    - 11
    Unregistered
    Put simply, this song is about being skilled at getting laid. The reference to the ocean (ocean=wet, get it?) and being a "captain" is pretty obvious. The use of the term "marinero" references a person that goes out on the ocean, this is a metaphor for a woman's genitalia using moisture to tie the to together. Calling himself a captain means he's skill at navigating his way to and around said item ;)
    Add your reply
  • U
    - 12
    Unregistered
    The original words were " la.. Jump the border la la la jump the border" but the record execs made it radio friendly. Ritchie actually didn't die that day with the big bopper and buddy holly. In fact ritchie is alive and well and playingg in los lobos and of course buddy goes by a new name elvis costello. That whole thing was a plot against the bopper the govt was tired of his bopping a similar plot was tried when they killd stevie ray vaughn trying to really take downn eric clapton its all a rock & roll conspiracy.
    Add your reply
    View 26 more meanings

    Write about your feelings and thoughts about La Bamba

    Know what this song is about? Does it mean anything special hidden between the lines to you? Share your meaning with community, make it interesting and valuable. Make sure you've read our simple tips.
    U
    Min 50 words
    Not bad
    Good
    Awesome!

    Top meanings Post my meaning

    • a
      + 34
      alr
      It's been years that I've been translating this song. It is an old country dance native to the... Read more →
    • d
      + 10
      duhpuck
      @james williams.
      Your translation of "gracia" as "natural ability" would be incorrect even based on... Read more →

    official video

    Featured lyrics

    0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z