Carlos Vives
Translated by Paula Samper.
The text chosen for translation for this project consisted of three songs from a Colombian singer/songwriter, Carlos Vives. My aim is to provide a translation for some of Carlos Vives’ sbest songs for those who do not speak Spanish to be able to understand them and appreciate the songs for their beautiful lyrics. Ideally, those who would like to listen to the songs could have the translated lyrics with them and hear the rhythm, melody and voice of Carlos Vives to get the fullest musical experience possible.
Source texts: “Jaime Molina”, “Quiero verte sonreir”, and “Dejame entrar”.
(Compare “I Want See You Smile” and “Let Me In”.)
“Jaime Molina”
By Carlos Vives
I remember Jaime Molina,
with a few too many drinks
he would always say to me
“If you pass away first I will make you a painting
But if I pass away first you will write me a song.”
Echo: “If you pass away first I will make you a painting
But if I pass away first you will write me a song.”
Now looking back, I’d much prefer
that he’d paint me a picture
and not write him this song.
Echo: Now looking back, I’d much prefer
that he’d paint me a picture
and not write him this song
Famous for going out all night, and keeping his friends from falling fast asleep
With every drink he downed would come a friendly jab
with a kind twinkle in his eye which only he could give
Echo: With every drink he downed would come a friendly jab
with a kind twinkle in his eye which only he could give
Following this he’d sit on my lap
tell me a joke and then have a laugh
Echo: Follwing me he’d sit on my lap
tell me a joke and then have a laugh
It all started as fun and games
Jaime Molina taught me to drink
Wherever he was I would not be far behind
and he would be by my side whenever I needed him
Wherever he was I would not be far behind
and he would be by my side whenever I needed him
Now it hurts to know that he’s gone
I’m left without Jaime and he’s left Rafael
Now it hurts to know that he’s gone
I’m left without Jaime and he’s left Rafael
“I Want to See Your Smile”
By Carlos Vives
I want to see your smile, I want to give you my song
And on a summer day , give you the sun
A scent of jasmine, and piece of my music
I want to give you this song and a thousand kisses just for you.
I want your dreams to meet mine halfway,
I want to be your thoughts and I want
To meet you when the sun sets behind the hills
To discover you with my kisses and give you my love
Laraira, laraira
I want to give you this song
Laraira, laraira
Many promises of love
And the last song that I write, will be written out to you
And plant in your garden things made only for you
I’ll ask Juan Luis for a candle and a match
to be able to brighten the sadness that is in you
I want our eyes to meet in time
I want to be your thoughts and I want
To meet you when the sun sets behind the hills
To free you with my kisses and give you my heart
Laraira, laraira
I want to give you a song
Laraira, laraira
And to plant in your garden
Laraira, laraira
things made only for you
Laraira, laraira
I want to see you smile
I’m looking for you, I want you back
You’ve left me here, alone in the desert
I’m looking for you, I want you back
You’ve left me here, alone in the wild
I’m looking for you, I want you back
You’ve left me here, alone in the desert
I’m looking for you, I want you back
You’ve left me here, alone in the wild
Laraira, laraira
I want to give you a song
Laraira, laraira
And to plant in your garden
Laraira, laraira
things made only for you
Laraira, laraira
I want to see you smile
“Let Me In”
By Carlos Vives
Let me into your life
I want to reach the depths of your soul
to find comfort in the warmth of your lips
to know you more
Let me stay within the silence
And remember your past…
To know if you really are the girl,
the girl of my dreams
The girl with hair like the wild grass
the girl with the earth within her fingertips
the girl with a smile you’ve never seen before
the girl who delights in making dreams
who perfumes the mornings
with her body’s sweet aroma
and says good morning to the sun
with the warmth of her kisses
oh oh
lara
To watch you leave and see you come back
learn to live with the calmness you have
let me be your thoughts
know what you carry with you
Let me into the silence
into your past
to know if you’re the girl
the girl of my dreams.
The girl with hair like the wild grass
the girl with the earth within her fingertips
the girl with a smile you’ve never seen before
the girl who delights in making dreams
who perfumes the mornings
with her bodies’ sweet aroma
and says good morning to the sun
with the warmth of her kisses
Chorus: Let me into your life
Let me in through the window
Chorus: Let me into your life
The window of your heart
Chorus: Let me into your life
Let me see you in the mornings
Chorus: Let me into your life
Even after the sun won’t rise again
Whenever I am with you
I can’t keep my thoughts straight
my heart starts to race
I never thought I’d feel this way again,
it had been so long
to you I sing this song.
Chorus: Let me into your life
Chorus: Let me into your life
Chorus: Let me into your life
Chorus: Let me into your life…
Show me that this is it
Chorus: Let me into your life
Let me be the only one you kiss
Chorus: Let me into your life
Let me into your past
Chorus: Let me into your life
Let your silence bring me life
Chorus: Let me into your life
and let me trace every inch of your body.
Chorus: Let me into your life
let me be the last one to kiss you
Chorus: Let me into your life
Chorus: Let me into your life
Chorus: Let me in , into your life
