“I Want To See You Happy”, 2021 single Countries: USA (California), Mexico Style: Cumbia about being ready to be happy again despite all the bad things happening in the world. Listen: YouTube, Amazon
Lyrics Translation:
No es que me valga madre la vida, El dolor de la gente, el frío, y el hambre. La angustia está presente. El odio se siente, el ambiente se pone caliente.
It’s not that I don’t give a damn about life, People’s pain, the cold, and hunger. The anguish is there. The hate is palpable, the environment heats up.
“Careful” Albums: Cuidado (1969); Someday New (2014) Style: Soulful alternative rock, ballad-like, with bass and acoustic instruments, including accordion. Countries: United States (Los Angeles, CA); Mexico
Listen:
The song by José José is directed to a lover who is doing things that will lead to a breakup. You can listen to the original version by José José (1969) or La Santa Cecilia’s cover (2014) at YouTube. I love the way lead singer Marisol “La Marisoul” Hernandez harmonizes the warnings in the lyrics until the words vibrate.
José José:
La Santa Cecilia:
Today is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, but Day of the Dead is coming up on November 1-2. I recommend listening to La Santa Cecilia’s lively “La Negra” (YouTube and translation). I’m also curious about the upcoming animated movie, The Book of Life premiering October 17.
Lyrics Translation (following La Santa Cecilia’s version):
Cuidado, Mucho cuidado, Que estás tomando por un rumbo equivocado.
Careful, Be very careful, Because you are going down a wrong road.
“Little Coin” Album: Treinta Días (Thirty Days), 2013 Style: Alternative, energetic, cheerful song praising humble lifestyles. This is a song about not needing money to be happy, about valuing humility, and about how living within one’s means is healthier than over-spending to impress others. Good vocals by lead singer La Marisoul and accordion play by Jose “Pepe” Carlos. Country: USA (Los Angeles, CA) Listen:YouTube, Amazon
Lyrics Translation:
Bonito tu trajecito, ¿cuánto das por la apariencia? Bonito tu cochecito, ¿no te pesa en la conciencia?
Very nice, your little outfit; how much for that appearance? Very nice, your little car; doesn’t it weigh on your conscience?
“This Loneliness”, 2009 single Style: Pop/rock, melancholy, soft and sweet voice reminiscent of Natalia Lafourcade. Song about loneliness. She needs a hug! Country: Mexico, USA (Arizona) Listen: YouTube
Lyrics Translation:
Esta soledad me esta quemando las pestañas, Llenándome de telarañas Y me pone a chillar.
This solitude is burning my eyelashes, [*idiom, meaning it keeps her up at night] Covering me with cobwebs And it makes me bawl.
“Destiny” Album: Fíjate Bien (Pay Attention), 2000 Style: Pop/rock. This album won “Best Rock Solo Vocal Album” and “Best New Artist” at the 2001 Latin Grammy Awards. Country: Colombia
Lyrics Translation:
Estoy buscando una forma de ver Detrás de los espejos del alma, Más adentro donde está la luz Que quema, pero que no mata.
I am searching for a way of seeing Behind the mirrors of the soul, Deeper inside where there’s the light That burns, but does not kill.
“And All For What?” Lyrics Style: Pop or ranchera versions, romance song Songwriter: Pedro Reyna Cisneros Country: Mexico Listen @ YouTube to Intocable (ranchera) or Natalia Lafourcade (alt pop)
“Like a Ghost”Lyrics, 2011 Style: Pop/rock, techno-inspired, about a love that haunts you. When you break up with someone, it can be hard to forget them. They linger in your mind… like a ghost. For more techno-influenced pop about moving on, see “Mi Mundo Sin Ti” by Soraya. Countries: Argentina (born), Spain (raised) Listen: YouTube
Translation:
Decido no extrañarte, Vestirme y levantarme, Quiero escaparme de tu sombra.
I decide not to miss you, To dress myself and get up, I want to escape your shadow.
“The Girl Who Cries at Your Parties”, 2011 single Style: Pop with a beat, energetic, techno influence. This energetic pop song is about a girl so in love (really obsessed) that it hurts her to be away from the object of her affections. Country: Spain Listen:YouTube
Translation:
[Radio:] Y los cuarenta principales, del cuarenta al uno… And the top 40, from 40 to 1…
[Song:] Vuela un columpio vació sobre mi cabeza, Vuela por el cementerio de mi voluntad. Sigo buscando la niña que llora en tus fiestas. Suenan campanas en flor por mi funeral.
The empty swing flies over my head, It flies over the cemetery of my willpower. I keep looking for the girl who cries at your parties. Ringing bell flowers sprout all over my funeral.
“A Place To Be Reborn”Lyrics Album: Hu, Hu, Hu, 2009 Style: Pop, light and floaty, gentle fairy-ish, some piano Country: Mexico Listen:YouTube, Amazon
Translation:
Qué protección sentí ayer, Aunque afuera vi la lluvia. Me dieron ganas de llorar Con la canción que me enseñabas.
What security I felt yesterday, Even though saw the rain outside. I felt like crying [*lit. I got the urge to cry] With the song that you were teaching me.
“Three” Album: La Vida Es… Un Ratico (Life Is… A Brief Moment), 2007 Style: Pop, love song about waiting for someone. Country: Colombia Listen: YouTube
Lyrics Translation:
Yo no pienso que me pueda de ti olvidar. Yo no pienso que mi corazón resista un día más. Yo no soy lo que tú quieras que sea este amor. Sólo soy la puerta abierta que te da mi corazón.
I do not think that I can forget about you. I do not think that my heart will stand another day. I am not what you want this love to be. I am only the open door that gives my heart to you.
“The Call” Style: Drama pop song about a cheater who wants to get back together. This person cheats, gets caught, gets dumped, and then won’t stop calling! Selena is just going to keep hanging up. Stop calling her. I love songs with stories. Country: United States (Texas); Mexico Listen: YouTube
Lyrics Translation:
[Sound of phone ringing]
-Bueno… -Soy yo, mi amor, antes de que me cuelgues no’ más dejame explicar que…
-Hello… -It’s me, my love, before you hang up on me just let me explain that…
Songlations 
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