As I’ve noted on many an occasion, it’s not always necessary to understand a language when it comes to delivery, for there are many ways to communicate. The passion and conviction in this song transcends any language barrier and I love Carlos Puebla – read/listen to more from him on my blog pages, here.
Cuban singer, guitarist and composer Carlos Puebla was born in 1917 and spent many years of his life in music. Impressively, he also became known as a symbol of the revolution and became known as much more than just an ambassador for Cuban music, he was an ambassador for Cuba itself!
Musically he was specialised in boleros and patriotic songs and began composing in the 1930’s, where he gained local success. In 1953, he becan recording with his group, Los Tradicionales, and by 1962 he was a regular performer in La Bodeguita del medio, a bar-restaurant in Old Havana which was a favourite haunt of Cuban and foreign intellectuals. Politically he stood beside Fidel Castro before the 1959 Revolution and in 1961, he went on tour in several countries with his musicians. His music, as well as his political activity, turned his concerts into a success. From there on in he was called El Cantor de la Revolución (the singer of the revolution)!
Today’s song, like so many he wrote, pays homage to Che Guevara. Entitled Lo Eterno (The Eternal One), this track features on a 1968 EP entitled, Hasta Siempre Comandante and offers a powerful and emotionally charged tribute to Che Guevara. Through its lyrics (which I did manage to find and paste below), Puebla aims to convey the everlasting impact and presence of Che Guevara in the hearts and minds of the people. This sentiment perfectly encapsulated on a webpage I found:
“Lo Eterno” encapsulates the deep admiration and reverence that Carlos Puebla and countless others have for Che Guevara. The song serves not only as a tribute to a revolutionary leader but also as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and liberation. It captures the belief that, despite his physical absence, Guevara’s ideas, spirit, and determination continue to inspire and ignite the collective consciousness of the people.”
Check it out above and enjoy………
The Eternal One
(spoken)
Okay, now another guajira! 1
The Eternal One!
I come to bring you a message
from your people, who are my people:
People say, Che Guevara,
that it’s a lie that you’re dead.
Your presence, continuous and bright,
like of a shining star,
is still on alert and ready for combat,
Comandante Che Guevara.
People like you never get erased,
both from history and from time.
How could people
who are eternal die!
Your presence, continuous and bright,
like of a shining star,
is still on alert and ready for combat,
Comandante Che Guevara.
People say, Comandante,
that the steely voice
of your burning rifle is still heard
throughout the whole continent.
Your presence, continuous and bright,
like of a shining star,
is still on alert and ready for combat,
Comandante Che Guevara.
People say, Comandante,
that your legendary heart
remains firm in its place,
battle-hardened and guerrilla.
Your presence, continuous and bright,
like of a shining star,
is still on alert and ready for combat,
Comandante Che Guevara.
Since you were more than a man,
since you were the light and the example,
you will live eternally
in the hearts of the people.
Your presence, continuous and bright,
like of a shining star,
is still on alert and ready for combat,
Comandante Che Guevara.
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