Tag: Genre: Rap

“1977” by Ana Tijoux, English translation and analysis

“1977”
Album: 1977, released 2010
Style: Rap, hip-hop influence, autobiographical, origin story. “1977” is an autobiographical rap about Ana Tijoux’s birth, her childhood, and the start of her career. It is a catchy and poetic song. This song was also featured in an episode of Breaking Bad.
Countries: France (born), Chile (parents)
Listen: YouTube

Lyrics Translation:

Announcer audio clips:
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Cuando las serpientes se evolucionaron —
Más rapido —
Que en muchas creencias —
Se nota la diferencia entre una serpiente venenosa y otra que no lo es por las marcas de dejan…

When snakes evolved —
Faster —
That in many religions — [*alt. That many cultures believe –]
One can tell the difference between a poisonous snake and one that is not (poisonous) by the markings they leave behind…
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“Algo Con Sentido” (Something With Meaning) by Calle 13 feat. PG-13, English translation

“Something With Meaning”
Album: Residente o Visitante (Resident or Visitor), 2007
Style: Hilarious but explicit rap song, slow tempo, increasingly disturbing lyrics. This song is hilarious because of its disturbing build-up and then the abrupt end after the first end. Residente Calle 13’s voice acting in this song is great.
Country: Puerto Rico

***Warning: Explicit language, graphic descriptions of violence.***

Lyrics Translation:

La gente está jugando con mi mente
Y ando con la mirada borracha.
Mi cabeza está pensando en remolacha,
Por eso no tiene sentido esta guaracha.

People are playing with my head
And I walk around with a drunk look.
My head is thinking about beets;
That’s why this song makes no sense.

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“Amor Libre” (Free Love) by Nach feat. Suga Wuga, English translation and notes

“Free Love” Lyrics Translation
Album: Poesía Difusa (Wordy Poetry), 2003
Style: Slow rap love song, similar to spoken word. This is an open love poem that declares how much their love means to them, and how it makes them feel free.
Country: Spain
Listen: YouTube

Translation:

Sigo siendo libre.
Nada es complicado a tu lado.
Tú me haces libre.

I keep being free.
Nothing is complicated by your side.
You make me free.

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“Todo Tiende” by Ojos de Brujo, English translation of lyrics

“Todo Tiende”
Album: Techarí (Free), 2006
Style: Fast-paced flamenco/hip hop.
Country: Spain
Listen: YouTube

Translation:

Mendigando eternidades,
Mendigos piden a mendigos
Lo que no tienen ni pueden darse.

Panhandling eternities,
Vagrants ask vagrants
For what they do not have nor can give each other.

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