Bachata Rosa is an iconic modern Latin song by one of my favourite Latin artists – Juan Luis Guerra. It was released in 1990 on his 5th studio album of the same name. The record has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Bachata Rosa is derived from a genre of music called ‘Bachata’. In fact the success of his record brought ‘Bachata’ music not only into the mainstream in the Dominican Republic where Luis Guerra is from, but gave the genre an international audience.
In Spain, the album spent eight weeks at number one. Even in the Netherlands, the record peaked at number two on the Mega Album Top 100 and was certified gold. Music critics have cited Bachata Rosa as one of Luis Guerra’s most important works due to his songwriting and the record production.
Bachata music originates from the Dominican Republic and is played with guitars and percussion (bongos, maracas amongst other instruments). The principal themes of this genre are love, betrayal and jealousy. Due to the motives surrounding this form of music they are known as ‘Bitter songs’. Bachata was defined as music from the rural areas of the Dominican Republic with lyrics considered too crude and vulgar to the public’s taste. You could say that the Bachata of today’s song ‘Bachata Rosa (Rose)’ is a refined version of the original Bachata music by having endowed the form with more melody and softer lyrics.
The lyrics are superb even in their loose English translation:
I give you a rose
I found her on the road
I don’t know if she’s naked
Or has only one dress
No, I do not know
If you water it in summer
Or if it gets drunk to oblivion
If she was ever loved
Or has hidden loves
Ay, ay ay ay, love
You’re the rose that gives me warmth
You are the dream of my solitude
A lethargy of blue
An eclipse of the sea
The version of Bachata Rosa below is performed live and with english subtitles no less. It gives someone unfamiliar with Luis Guerra’s music a glimpse into not only what a great singer / songwriter he is, but what comprises Bachata music. Don’t fret, more songs will feature from Luis Guerra in this music project.
References: Wikipedia – Bachata Rosa
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
I’m sold!
It is sold Ladies and Gentlemen – to the highest bidder in the front row!
I like the line “A space of light that only you can fill.” As to be expected I love the rhythm section. Good song Matt…very smooth.
It’s a great line indeed. The lyrics overall are excellent. I’m glad you liked it Max. I hope you’ve had a good weekend buddy. Cheers.
Latino que no haya bailado las canciones de Juan Luis Guerra, no ha vivido por estos lares. No había fiestas sin su música. Su ritmo pone a bailar hasta el que no sabe de bachata. Así que a mover la cintura que mañana es tarde. Saludos.
Me encantaba leer tu descripcion muy animada de esto Gran artista y su efecto en la cultura latina.
Very upbeat and energizing. Hubby heard this playing and told me his parents were always listening to music like this and where was I getting this from? Ha ha. I mean, I already knew his parents listened to music like this, but I think it just re-stimulated his memories or something. I’m surprised he didn’t force me to dance with him, lol !
That’s brilliant there is a family connection on your husband’s side with Bachata Rosa. It’s such a sweet song. I don’t grow tired of it nor de radio stations here. There’s probably no other song I can think of which I’ve heard more often in public here, than Bachata Rosa. Next time you should dance with him to it! Haha. Awww….
🙂
Nice. I was going to pass it by. Glad I didnt.
This song still grows on me. I’m glad you liked it.
It’s the music that does it for me. Easy to take.
Lovely taste! I love the “I don’t know if she’s naked/Or has only one dress”
That is a wonderful line! I’m thrilled you like it. 😊