Guantanamera

"Guantanamera" is most often presented in song as a soggy, tepid, love ballad. It's true origin, however, was as a poem of political protest. Written in 1925 by Cuban poet José Martí, translations vary widely, but I believe the one below best expresses the poet's true intent and that which gives the song enduring life as a statement of national pride. Inspirational Verse: "I know a fatal evil/Among the unspeakable shames/The enslavement of human beings Is the great shame of the world." 

Guantanamera by José Martí 

I am a truthful man,

From the land of the palm.

Before dying, I want to

Share these poems of my soul.

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

My verses are light green,

But they are also flaming red.

My verses are like a wounded fawn,

Seeking refuge in the mountain.

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

I cultivate a white rose

In June and in January

For the sincere friend

Who gives me his hand.

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

And for the cruel one who would tear out

This heart with which I live.

I cultivate neither thistles nor nettles

I cultivate a white rose.

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

I know about a fatal evil

Among the unspeakable shames:

The enslavement of human beings

Is the great shame of the world!

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

With the poor people of this earth,

I want to share my lot.

With the poor people of this earth,

I want to share my lot.

The little streams of the mountains

Please me more than the sea.

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera

Guantanamera, guajira guantanamera