Guantanamera Lyrics in English by Celia Cruz

Amparo translates to 'refuge' or 'shelter', representing a place of deep safety and protection.

In this famous song adapted from José Martí's poetry, the lyrics describe a verse as a "ciervo herido que busca en el monte amparo" (a wounded deer seeking refuge in the mountain). This vivid metaphor uses the word to portray a vulnerable soul looking for a safe haven, proving that this catchy tune is actually a poetic masterpiece.

This song is one of the most famous to ever come out of Cuba, and for good reason! The title, "Guantanamera," means a woman from Guantánamo, a city in the eastern part of the island. But the song isn't just about a girl; it's a powerful statement of identity and principle, using verses from the famous Cuban poet and national hero, José Martí.

The singer introduces himself as "un hombre sincero / De donde crece la palma" (a sincere man / from where the palm tree grows), rooting himself in the Cuban landscape. He expresses a deep desire to share his art before he dies: "antes de morir yo quiero / Cantar mis versos del alma" (before I die I want / to sing the verses from my soul). The song then offers a beautiful image of loyalty, promising to "Cultivo una rosa blanca" (grow a white rose) for a true friend. The final verse describes his poetry as a "ciervo herido / Que busca en el monte amparo" (a wounded deer / that seeks refuge in the mountains), a moving metaphor for art that is both passionate and vulnerable.