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Caterina Valente
About La Golondrina
"La golondrina" (English: "The Swallow") is a song written in 1862 by Mexican physician Narciso Serradell Sevilla (1843-1910), who at the time was exiled to France due to the French intervention in Mexico. The lyrics come from a poem written in Arabic by the last Abencerrages king of Granada, Aben Humeya, in a translation by Niceto de Zamacois, which Sevilla found in a magazine used as packing material. The Spanish lyrics use the image of a migrating swallow to evoke sentiments of longing for the homeland. It became the signature song of the exiled Mexicans. The song was recorded in 1906 by Señor Francisco. A guitar instrumental was recorded by Chet Atkins in 1955. The song has also been recorded by Caterina Valente (1959), Nat King Cole (1962), Plácido Domingo (1984), Flaco Jiménez (1992, instrumental), and Caetano Veloso (1994). Felice & Boudleaux Bryant wrote lyrics in English, as "She Wears My Ring", which was first recorded by Jimmy Sweeney (also known as Jimmy Bell) in 1960 with notable cover versions by Roy Orbison (1962), Ray Price and Solomon King (both 1968), and Elvis Presley (1973). The song figures prominently in the 1969 film The Wild Bunch, directed by Sam Peckinpah and scored by Jerry Fielding. The local people serenade the bandit protagonists with it as they leave Angel's Mexican village.more »
- Year:
- 2004
- 2:32
- 3,193Views
- Playlists:
- #10
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The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Whither so swiftly the timid swallow?What distant bourne seeks her untiring wing?To reach it safe, what needle does she followWhen darkness wraps the poor wee storm tossed thing?To build her nest near to my couchI'll call her;Why go so far skies bright and warm to keep;Safe would she be;No evil should befall her,For I'm an exile sad, too sad to weepMy fatherland is dear but I too have left it;Far am I from the spot where I was born;Cheerless in life, fierce storms joy bereft it;Made me an exile life-long and forlornCome then to me, sweet feathered pilgrim stranger;Oh! let me clasp you to my loving breastAnd lest your warbling safe from danger,Unwanted tears bring relief and rest.
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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Caterina Valente
Caterina Valente (born 14 January 1931, Paris) is an Italian singer, dancer, and actress. She was born into an Italian artist family. Her father Giuseppe was a well-known accordion player; her mother, Maria Valente, a musical clown. She had three siblings, one of whom, Silvio Francesco, was also active in show business. more »
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Written by: TERRY RENDALL, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Spirit Music Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"La Golondrina" is a traditional Mexican song written by Narciso Serradell Sevilla in 1862. It's also known as "The Swallow" and has been covered by numerous artists worldwide, including Caterina Valente and Nat King Cole. |
Artist Background - Caterina ValenteItalian singer Caterina Valente is noted for her multilingual skills. She recorded songs in six languages throughout her career and emerged as a major international star in the 1950s and 1960s. |
Artist Background - Nat King ColeNathaniel Adams Coles, known as Nat King Cole, was a leading African-American artist of the Jazz and pop scene during the mid-20th century. He was the first African-American performer to host a variety TV series. |
Collaboration FactWhile both Valente and Cole recorded versions of "La Golondrina," it's important to note that they did not record it together. |
PopularityThe song became a hallmark of both artists' repertoires and it received widespread attention due to its soulful melody. |
Musical Style"La Golondrina" is a showcase of Latin music influences, with its traditional Mexican roots manifesting in its melody and lyrics. |
Historical SignificanceThe song is considered a symbol of Mexico, with the swallow (golondrina) depicted as a bird unwilling to remain in one place, mirroring the spirit of Mexicans throughout history. |
Multilingual SingingDespite not being native Spanish speakers, both Caterina Valente and Nat King Cole have been praised for their Spanish pronunciation and their genuine interpretations of "La Golondrina." |
Musical ArrangementsCaterina Valente's rendition leans more towards the European style of music, incorporating Spanish guitars and castanets, while Nat King Cole's version blends jazz elements with traditional Mexican music. |
Unique InterpretationsEven though they are singing the same song, Valente and Cole bring their unique styles to "La Golondrina," giving music lovers two distinct versions to enjoy. |
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