I've never been a harcore fan of music in Spanish. Don't get me wrong; I used the term "hardcore;" there are a few Latin American artists whose music I've been a long time fan of. None of them however, compare to his talents and depth; none seem to master the art of song lyricism like Spaniard singer/actor Miguel Bose. It's not only the lyrics, the sound arrangement/production is top notch!
My sister, who is three years older than me introduced me to his music while we were kids in Puerto Rico. We both remained faithful fans up until this day. In fact, his music inspired much of my sister's finished manuscript (in English by the way) a couple of years ago.
It was not only his music that inspired us. Bose is a well known social activist in Latin America; he's been very outspoken against prejudice, racism and classicism. He also didn't conform to traditional standards of masculinity, especially in Latin countries.
Although a commanding presence, at times tinged with macho bravado, along with a deep, masculine voice, he was always outcasted for sporting a ponytail back in the late 80's and 90's, and for being ambiguous regarding his sexual orientation. He was born in Spain to famous bullfighter Miguel Dominguin and Italian singer and actress Lucia Bose. As a child he was surrounded by artistic icons of the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway, both which have served as inspiration in his music.
As I was listening to his best hits album, I kept wishing English speakers could experience his music and enjoy it as I have. There's such a myriad of moods and elements to his music; his lyrics are passionate, magic, romantic, tragic, mysterious, uplifting, dark, blissful, whimsical, sexual and playful. I couldn't help but wanting to take a stab and do my best at translating in English a couple of my favorite songs.
So here we go... By the way, these are some of the darker/melancholic ones.
"No Hay Un Corazon Que Valga La Pena" (There's no one heart worth the pain/a damn)
there's not heart out there worth a damn
not even one heart that is not wounded from war
and here I am..surrounded by silence, so much silence
time has exhausted in the waiting compass
as it draws a desert inside and out
that pushes back anyone that tries to get close to you
I don't want a past full of resentments
I'm not looking for the impossible in open skies
just some peace as a payoff for taking the risk.
(chorus)
A love immense and immeasurable
without history and calculations
a love that doesn't ask any more questions
prepared to not understand
a love that looks straight ahead
a love sufficiently strong
a love not looking for an exit
and a love that doesn't cost my life.
there's not a heart worth a damn
there's not a fucking heart without baggage or troubles...forget it!
(there's not even one heart left)
there's not a heart worth a damn
not a fucking heart in this whole wide earth
that will let you rest and not ask you any questions...forget it!
that will let you rest and not ask you any questions...forget it!
I would like to fly into your hiding spot
to tell you once and for all everything that's breaking me down
to stop missing your heart so much
and I wish I could have it, even if it's stolen
my heart is beating inside of you
(chorus x 2)
(chorus x 2)
"Este Mundo Va" (This World Goes On)
Time passes by and it's not long until someone doesn't realize
we remain the same just wrapped up in novelty.
You ask me to change...however, your enthusiasm lingers
you still haven't asked me if I care or not...or not.
My love, I am writing you because I am witness of what is lost,
and although I'm getting accustomed to this, it's costing me.
Give me at least some time until I can breathe again; it's not an easy art to undertake..
Give me at least some time to say goodbye.
(chrous) Because in a world that goes by as fast as the speed of thunder
I can hold on to this flight if I grab your hand
please go with me as far as I can possibly go.
In this world that goes by as fast as a thought strikes, you don't get any merit for just the intent
and even though I don't want to, there is no doubt left.
This world goes on.
My spring and fall, my summer and winter
I adapt with serenity
Give me at least of couple of chances and your eyes will watch me grow
give me at least some possibilities.
(chorus x 2)
"Bajo El Signo De Cain" (Under The Sign of Cain)
In the darkness I can hear your voice
Why must I pay for this inheritance?
How ancient is this punishment!
If You are God why don't You dare..
curse me with your pardon...
Free me Lord from all the fear and pain
and bring me back some peace
after all, your silence is my terror
God of God
I live without knowing of You
and under the sign of Cain.
If I cursed You
please mistake my faith
if you don't care of who I am
then let me be..because I want to talk to another god.
God of God I live without knowing You
and under the sign of Cain
and under the sign of Cain
your silence...
I live without knowing...
"No Encuentro Un Momento Pa Olvidar" (I can't find a moment to forget)
Mouth to mouth...and forgetting how to breathe, our tongues drowned together
in your bed I wanted to die...and I was dying.
night after night, in all that must remain quiet
time united us in a pact
into your eyes...I wanted to return
and I returned
Beyond you..yes, much far beyond
there's still a lot left to live by
which is everything and more
There was so much love, so much love, there was so much, so much, soo much love
that I can't find a moment to forget...I don't have the willpower to forget.
body against body
there wasn't a minute to waste
in the intense journey of a kiss
the life I gave you wasn't enough
Beyond you...there's a lot to discover
the places I didn't reach
and I know there's even more
there was so much love, so much love, there was so much, so much, soo much love
that I can't find a moment to forget...I don't have the willpower to forget.
