La Golondrina

Nat King Cole

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. 


Year:
1962
2:55
146 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

A donde ira
Veloz y fatigada
La golondrina
Que de aqui­ se va
Por si en el viento
Se hallara extraviada
Buscando abrigo
Y no lo encontrara.

Junto a mi lecho
Le pondre su nido
En donde pueda 
La estacii³n pasar
Tambien yo estoy
En la regii³n perdido
Oh Cielo Santo!
Y sin poder volar.

Deje tambien
Mi patria idolatrada
Esa mansii³n 
Que me miri³ nacer
Mi vida es hoy
Errante y angustida
Y ya no puedo
A mi mansii³n volver.

Ave querida
Amada peregrina
Mi corazi³n
Al tuyo acercare
Voy recordando
Tierna golondrina
Recordare
Mi patria y llorare.

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Nat King Cole

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was a musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. He owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. He was one of the first black Americans to host a television variety show, and has maintained worldwide popularity since his death. more »

22 fans

Written by: FRANK PLEYER, NARCISO SERRADELL

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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 Valente
Italian 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 Cole
Nathaniel 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 Fact
While both Valente and Cole recorded versions of "La Golondrina," it's important to note that they did not record it together.
Popularity
The 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 Significance
The 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 Singing
Despite 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 Arrangements
Caterina 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 Interpretations
Even 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.

Discuss the La Golondrina Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "La Golondrina Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/33398334/Nat+King+Cole/La+Golondrina>.

    Missing lyrics by Nat King Cole?

    Know any other songs by Nat King Cole? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    La Golondrina

    397K
    1,305     44

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Another one bites _______"?
    A the dust
    B the air
    C the bun
    D the tounge

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Nat King Cole tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    La Golondrina

    »