Preciosa Lyrics in English by Marc Anthony
Hidalguía is a beautiful, old-world word that translates to "nobility" or "chivalry". It comes from the historic Spanish phrase hijo de algo ("son of something"), which was used to describe a member of the lesser nobility.
In this powerful anthem, the lyrics celebrate Puerto Rico's rich heritage by mentioning "la noble hidalguía de la madre España" (the noble chivalry of mother Spain). This single, elegant word captures the island's deep-rooted connection to its Spanish history and aristocratic past, making it a truly special vocabulary discovery.
This song is a massive love letter to Puerto Rico. Marc Anthony, who is from the US and Puerto Rico, sings about his deep connection to the island, which he calls his "Borinquen hermosa" (beautiful Borinquen, an indigenous name for the island). He lists the things he loves, from "sus hembras trigueñas" (its olive-skinned women) to "el olor de sus rosas" (the smell of its roses), and declares that for these reasons, "Por siempre la llamaré 'Preciosa'" (I will always call her 'Precious').
The song is also a powerful declaration of Puerto Rican identity and resilience. It acknowledges the island's mixed heritage, from "la noble hidalguía de la madre España" (the noble gentry of mother Spain) to "el fiero cantío del indio bravío" (the fierce song of the brave Indian). The lyrics even mention a tyrant, but insist that the island's spirit is unbreakable. For Marc Anthony, this connection is personal and permanent. He sings, "Yo seré puertorriqueño / Por donde quiera que ande" (I will be Puerto Rican / Wherever I go), because it's an "herencia de mis padres" (inheritance from my parents) that he carries in his blood.
