Granada

Jose Carreras' rendition of 'Granada' is a passionate and evocative tribute to the Spanish city of Granada. The song, originally composed by Agustín Lara, is a vivid portrayal of the city's beauty, history, and cultural richness. The lyrics are filled with imagery that paints Granada as a land of dreams, a place that has captured the singer's heart and imagination. The use of the word 'soñada' (dreamed) sets the tone for the entire song, suggesting a deep, almost mythical connection to the city.

The lyrics describe how the singer's song transforms into a 'gitano' (gypsy) melody when dedicated to Granada, highlighting the city's association with the vibrant and soulful gypsy culture. The song is described as being made of 'fantasía' (fantasy) and 'melancolía' (melancholy), indicating a blend of joy and sorrow, much like the history and spirit of Granada itself. The reference to 'tardes de toros' (afternoons of bullfights) and 'ojos moros' (Moorish eyes) evokes the city's historical and cultural heritage, marked by its Moorish past and the traditional Spanish bullfighting.

Granada is personified as a woman, a 'mujer' who retains the enchantment of Moorish eyes and is covered in flowers, symbolizing beauty and allure. The singer's kiss on her 'boca de grana' (pomegranate mouth) speaks of a deep, romantic love, further emphasized by the comparison to a 'jugosa manzana' (juicy apple). The song also mentions 'coplas preciosas' (precious couplets) and offers a 'ramo de rosas' (bouquet of roses), signifying the singer's admiration and devotion. The final lines celebrate Granada's women, blood, and sun, encapsulating the city's essence as a place of beauty, passion, and vibrant life.