Home · Songs · Joan Baez · Guantanamera

Gracias a la vida

by Joan Baez · Album Gracias a la vida

Guantanamera

Duration 3:53

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From album

Gracias a la vida

Gracias a la vida

Joan Baez · 1974

Details

Duración3:53
ÁlbumGracias a la vida
Año1974

Fun facts

Guantanamera is a song that is often heard in Cuba. The most famous lyrics were written by Julián Orbón, based on the first verses of Los Versos sencillos, a poem by José Martí. The music is attributed to Joseíto Fernández, the name used by José Fernández Díaz. The song has been recorded in many versions, but remains one of the most recognized songs in the country. It is sometimes used as a patriotic symbol, especially when it includes the poem by José Martí.

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The story behind

Joan Baez sang Guantanamera as a song that moved between folklore and commitment. The lyrics, based on a poem by José Martí, speak of the land and people of Cuba. The music, attributed to Joseíto Fernández, moved in the style of the guajira-son, a form that mixes popular rhythms. The song became famous on Cuban radio, where Joseíto used it to talk about what was happening during the day. Sometimes he sang it as a way of greeting, other times as a way of asking for justice. The song became a space to say things, both of love and protest. Joan Baez took it and took it to another place, as part of her repertoire of songs that spoke of what matters.