Cuando Yo Canto y Bailo

Horácio Calandría Román's song "Cuando Yo Canto y Bailo" is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and the enduring spirit of carnival. The lyrics convey a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, as the singer reminisces about a loved one while engaging in the joyous acts of singing and dancing. The repeated line, "Cuando yo canto y bailo me acuerdo de ti" (When I sing and dance, I remember you), underscores the emotional bond between the artist and the person they are thinking of, suggesting that music and dance serve as a bridge to cherished memories.

The song also pays homage to the cultural significance of carnival, a time of exuberant celebration and communal joy. The mention of instruments like the tamborín, cajitas, and cuica highlights the traditional sounds that define the samba genre, which is deeply rooted in Latin American culture. The line "Cuando muera mi carnaval, no sé a dónde iremos a cantar" (When my carnival dies, I don't know where we will go to sing) reflects a fear of losing this cultural heritage and the uncertainty of where to find such joy and expression if carnival were to disappear.

Additionally, the song evokes a sense of continuity and respect for those who came before. The artist wonders about the previous generations of singers and dancers, asking, "A ver donde están los que cantaron, los que cantaron antes de mí" (Let's see where are those who sang, those who sang before me). This line suggests a reverence for the past and an acknowledgment of the legacy that influences the present. Through its lively rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, "Cuando Yo Canto y Bailo" captures the essence of carnival as a timeless celebration of life, memory, and cultural identity.