Cubanocast

One of the most beautiful times in my life was when I taught ESL at Elizabeth Learning Center (whatever happened to just plain "school") in the tiny Los Angeles suburb of Cudahy. I not only enjoyed teaching, but loved conversing with my students. We talked about everything from marriage and children to politics and history, and I'm sure I learned as much from them as they did from me. But, the Army called my number and I had to leave. I miss them.

Anyways, most of the students were from Central America (El Salvador, predominantly, of those) and Cumbia is the most popular rhythm in those parts. Coincidentally, a Cumbia/Central American themed radio station briefly graced the Los Angeles airwaves at this same time and, during its operation, became my favorite spot on the dial. They'd often play the song I present to you today (I learned later that it was called Baila Centroamericano), but when I sought to own it, I couldn't find it anywhere. I tried internet searches, interrogating my students, P2P programs, and even went so far as to call the radio station. They told me it was from Grupo Rana. I drove around Los Angeles and bought every Grupo Rana cd I could find, but none of the cds had the song. I don't know the exact circumstances, but I eventually found it.

Well, here it is. I know somewhere there's somebody who desperately wants this song, but can't find it. Cubanocast to the rescue.

Why do I like it so much? The music is certainly good, although the non-matching bridge is ineffective. The singing is fine. It's the lyrics, however, that make this song a "must have" in my collection. The man discusses what being Centroamericano means to him, but it goes beyond the admiration of the countryside or the simple boasting usually found in these types of songs. It describes a man's moderate, perhaps Stoic or Delphist, not quite Taoist philosophy. Centroamericanism, for lack of an official term, both advocates a detachment from the world and uses sensuousness as a diversion. It's definitely not pacifist in that it wouldn't allow effrontery without a violent response; it just doesn't care enough to start problems. And, behavior is important.

Listen to Baila Centroamericano

Lyrics below:

Follow up:

Tengo la sangre caliente, PERO con mucho sabor.
I'm hot-blooded but with lots of "taste."

Alegre como un domingo O un sabado en carnaval.
Happy like a Sunday or a Saturday during carnival.

De nadie soy enemigo, PERO el que me busca, me puede encontrar.
I'm nobody's enemy, but whoever looks for me [to fight] can find me.

Botas tus penas al viento y invita una chica a bailar.
Throw your cares away and invite a girl to dance.

Soy elegante y sincero, con la mujer caballero, con la que quiero me quedo. Tengo fama de enamorador.
I'm elegant and sincere, with women, gentlemanly, with the one I love, I'll stay. I have a reputation as a ladies man.

Para todo tengo un dicho. Amigo del Amigo. Aunque feria no tengo, seguro que estoy de un gran senor.
I have a saying for every occasion. Friend of friends. Even though I have no money, ??? (couldn't figure it out. Help?)