La Bamba [English translation]

My intention here is not to do another translation that I think is better than citriswind's but rather to delve into the word "GRACIA" The word is usually simply translated as GRACE, which is not incorrect in any way but does not give the full depth of the meaning. I want to discuss gracia as an idiom, not just a word.

For example: In English I would say "He's going to the dogs."

If I translate that idiom literally, it would sound like he's going to do something, possibly something very strange. In Spanish, I would swap the idiom for a Spanish equivalent, or translate the meaning behind the idiom. In this case, I would translate it something like this. "Se hecha a perder", which I would translate as he's ruining his life, which would have at least a similar meaning to "going to the dogs."

Gracia, like many words has multiple meanings, which are defined by usage. The particular definition I'm using is taken from "My Pequeño Larousse ilustrado edición 35 printed in 1948" Yes it's old, but is also the most complete dictionary of the Spanish language I own.

Gracia: "Atractivo que tienen ciertas personas en sus acciones y fisionomía." Then it gives the following example: "Andar con gracia"

So "gracia" by this meaning is someone who can move with grace and talent and who one might consider attractive to watch, either for their talent or their physique, or more likely, both of those things together.

If I haven't given anyone some inspiration, I hope they at least now have a desire to learn a bit about the Spanish language.

Que se vayan con gracia.

cheers [email protected]

• Artist:Los Lobos
• Album:La Bamba (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)