La Llorona
La Llorona|The Weeping Woman
Also known as: The Crying Woman
Cover image generated by AI · #Greetingify · #SocialBotStudio
Salías del templo un día, Llorona, Cuando al pasar yo te vi. Salías del templo un día, Llorona, Cuando al pasar yo te vi. Hermoso huipil llevabas, Llorona, Que la Virgen te creí. Hermoso huipil llevabas, Llorona, Que la Virgen te creí. Ay de mí, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona de un campo lirio. Ay de mí, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona de un campo lirio. El que no sabe de amores, Llorona, No sabe lo que es martirio. El que no sabe de amores, Llorona, No sabe lo que es martirio. Todos me dicen el negro, Llorona, Negro pero cariñoso. Todos me dicen el negro, Llorona, Negro pero cariñoso. Yo soy como el chile verde, Llorona, Picante pero sabroso. Yo soy como el chile verde, Llorona, Picante pero sabroso. Ay de mí, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona llévame al río. Ay de mí, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona llévame al río. Cúbreme con tu rebozo, Llorona, Porque me muero de frío. Cúbreme con tu rebozo, Llorona, Porque me muero de frío. Dos besos llevo en el alma, Llorona, Que no se apartan de mí. Dos besos llevo en el alma, Llorona, Que no se apartan de mí. El último de mi madre, Llorona, Y el primero que te di. El último de mi madre, Llorona, Y el primero que te di. No sé qué tienen las flores, Llorona, Las flores de un camposanto. No sé qué tienen las flores, Llorona, Las flores de un camposanto. Que cuando las mueve el viento, Llorona, Parece que están llorando. Que cuando las mueve el viento, Llorona, Parece que están llorando. Dicen que no tengo duelo, Llorona, Porque no me ven llorar. Dicen que no tengo duelo, Llorona, Porque no me ven llorar. Hay muertos que no hacen ruido, Llorona, Y es más grande su penar. Hay muertos que no hacen ruido, Llorona, Y es más grande su penar. De la sierra morena, Llorona, Vienen bajando dos negros. De la sierra morena, Llorona, Vienen bajando dos negros. Uno es tu padre, Llorona, Y otro es tu marido, Llorona, Que a los dos quise yo mucho. Aunque me cueste la vida, Llorona, No dejaré de quererte. Aunque me cueste la vida, Llorona, No dejaré de quererte. Porque eres el ser más lindo, Llorona, Que mis ojos han visto. Porque eres el ser más lindo, Llorona, Que mis ojos han visto.
You were leaving the temple one day, Llorona, When I saw you pass by. You were leaving the temple one day, Llorona, When I saw you pass by. You wore a beautiful huipil, Llorona, That I thought you were the Virgin. You wore a beautiful huipil, Llorona, That I thought you were the Virgin. Oh, woe is me, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona of a lily field. Oh, woe is me, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona of a lily field. He who knows not of love, Llorona, Knows not what martyrdom is. He who knows not of love, Llorona, Knows not what martyrdom is. Everyone calls me 'the dark one', Llorona, Dark, but affectionate. Everyone calls me 'the dark one', Llorona, Dark, but affectionate. I am like the green chili, Llorona, Spicy, but delicious. I am like the green chili, Llorona, Spicy, but delicious. Oh, woe is me, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona, take me to the river. Oh, woe is me, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona, take me to the river. Cover me with your rebozo, Llorona, Because I am dying of cold. Cover me with your rebozo, Llorona, Because I am dying of cold. Two kisses I carry in my soul, Llorona, That never leave me. Two kisses I carry in my soul, Llorona, That never leave me. The last one from my mother, Llorona, And the first one I gave to you. The last one from my mother, Llorona, And the first one I gave to you. I don't know what the flowers have, Llorona, The flowers of a cemetery. I don't know what the flowers have, Llorona, The flowers of a cemetery. That when the wind moves them, Llorona, It seems like they are crying. That when the wind moves them, Llorona, It seems like they are crying. They say I have no grief, Llorona, Because they don't see me cry. They say I have no grief, Llorona, Because they don't see me cry. There are dead who make no sound, Llorona, And their suffering is greater. There are dead who make no sound, Llorona, And their suffering is greater. From the dark mountain range, Llorona, Two dark ones are descending. From the dark mountain range, Llorona, Two dark ones are descending. One is your father, Llorona, And the other is your husband, Llorona, Both of whom I loved very much. Even if it costs me my life, Llorona, I will not stop loving you. Even if it costs me my life, Llorona, I will not stop loving you. Because you are the most beautiful being, Llorona, My eyes have ever seen. Because you are the most beautiful being, Llorona, My eyes have ever seen.
The translation aims to preserve the poetic and emotional essence of the original Spanish, maintaining stanza breaks. Some idiomatic expressions are translated for clarity while retaining cultural context.
La Llorona is one of Mexico's most iconic and deeply resonant folk songs, steeped in the country's rich oral tradition and cultural tapestry. Its origins are shrouded in the mists of time, believed to have emerged during the colonial period, blending indigenous myths with Spanish Catholic influences. The song is intrinsically linked to the legend of La Llorona, the 'Weeping Woman,' a spectral figure said to roam waterways, lamenting her lost children. While the exact historical period of its composition is unknown, it has been passed down through generations, evolving and adapting with each retelling and performance. It is particularly associated with the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, though its popularity is nationwide. Culturally, La Llorona holds immense significance, embodying themes of tragic love, loss, grief, and the supernatural. It is a song that speaks to the soul, reflecting the Mexican people's complex relationship with death, sorrow, and enduring love. The song's melancholic beauty makes it a staple during cultural celebrations, particularly around Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), where the veil between worlds is believed to thin. It is also a common feature at family gatherings, festivals, and public performances, often evoking a sense of shared heritage and emotional depth. The imagery of the 'Weeping Woman' resonates deeply within the collective consciousness, serving as a cautionary tale and a symbol of profound maternal anguish. In terms of performance, La Llorona is incredibly versatile. It is frequently performed by mariachi ensembles, *son jarocho* groups, and solo singers. Traditional instruments like the guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, jarana, and harp are commonly used, creating a rich, evocative soundscape. The vocal style often ranges from a heartfelt lament to a powerful, soaring expression of emotion, allowing singers to imbue the lyrics with personal interpretation. Its structure, typically featuring a recurring chorus and numerous verses, allows for improvisation and the inclusion of regional variations, making each performance unique. The song's enduring popularity ensures it is sung by people of all ages, from professional musicians to families gathered around a campfire. Today, La Llorona remains a vital piece of Mexican cultural heritage. Its timeless appeal has led to countless interpretations and covers by renowned artists such as Chavela Vargas, Lila Downs, and Joan Baez, introducing it to global audiences. Its inclusion in popular culture, notably in the Disney-Pixar film *Coco*, has further cemented its place as a beloved and internationally recognized symbol of Mexican identity. The song's continued performance and study are crucial for cultural preservation, ensuring that the legend and its musical embodiment continue to inspire and move future generations, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring human experience of love and loss.
Historical Background
Originating in colonial Mexico, the song is deeply intertwined with the legend of La Llorona, a widespread ghost story. It evolved through oral tradition, absorbing regional variations and becoming a cornerstone of Mexican folk music, particularly within the *canción ranchera* and *son jarocho* genres.
Cultural Significance
La Llorona is a quintessential Mexican folk song, embodying national identity and cultural values. It represents the Mexican people's unique way of confronting sorrow and death, often with a blend of beauty and melancholy. Its enduring popularity reflects its ability to connect generations through shared stories and emotions.
Usage & Performance Context
Performed at cultural festivals, family gatherings, Day of the Dead celebrations, concerts, and as a general folk song. It is often sung to express deep emotion, love, or sorrow.
What is the legend behind the song La Llorona?
The song La Llorona is based on a widespread Mexican legend about a spectral woman, 'The Weeping Woman,' who drowned her children and is condemned to wander waterways forever, crying for them. The song often uses this imagery to express themes of deep sorrow and lost love.
Is La Llorona a public domain song?
Yes, La Llorona is widely considered to be in the public domain. It is a traditional folk song with an unknown author, passed down through oral tradition for centuries, making it a shared cultural heritage rather than a copyrighted work.
What cultural significance does La Llorona hold in Mexico?
La Llorona is a cornerstone of Mexican cultural identity, embodying the nation's complex relationship with love, loss, and death. It's frequently performed during cultural events, especially around Día de Muertos, and serves as a powerful symbol of collective memory and emotional expression.
What instruments are typically used to perform La Llorona?
La Llorona is commonly performed by mariachi and *son jarocho* ensembles. Typical instruments include guitars, vihuelas, guitarrones, jaranas, and harps, which contribute to its rich, melancholic, and often vibrant sound.
Which famous artists have covered La Llorona?
Many renowned artists have performed La Llorona, cementing its place in popular culture. Notable interpretations include those by Chavela Vargas, Lila Downs, Eugenia León, and Joan Baez. It also gained international recognition through its inclusion in the Disney-Pixar film *Coco*.
Region
Oaxaca, Mexico
Language
Spanish (Latin)
Themes
Contributor
Anonymous
Based on 0 ratings.
