More music posts have appeared here from Juan Luis Guerra from the Dominican Republic than any other Latin American artist. One of the first CD/DVDs I bought here upon arrival in Bogotá was a Juan Luis compilation which still adorns my little bookcase, such was his music’s immediate impression on me.
I also think his music has more universal appeal than any other Latin artist and receives some of the most radio play as well. If you were to walk through the commercial streets here in Bogotá or around the central tourist areas on any given day, it wouldn’t be long until you heard a Juan Luis Guerra song playing. He also writes such clever topical songs that many Latinos can relate to, touching on themes such as rural life, coffee cultivation, health care, poverty and immigration struggles.
His music contains irresistibly catchy melodies, distinct and unmistakable vocals, and of course that spectacular Latin percussion. Once you’ve heard him, it’s hard to confuse him with anyone else the next time you hear his music, such is his unmistakable sound. As I usually do, and because of the high calibre of his live performances, I have presented him performing on stage today’s featured song – Visa Para Un Sueño (Eng: A Visa for a Dream).
As you’ll know, many Latinos dream of receiving a travel visa to experience life in the USA, Europe or Australia, but I can tell you from what I have seen here just how difficult that process can be. Even receiving an interview can take an inordinate amount of time, while the vetting process is understandably intense and often an ordeal for applicants.
You might also remember my recent literature extract from Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez about the tumultuous political history of the Dominican Republic, where Juan Luis Guerra is also from, and how many people found themselves seeking political asylum, while others were concealed and whisked out of the country to escape political persecution, imprisonment or even death.
The track is from a genre of music called Merengue which originated in the Dominican repulblic in the middle of the 19th Century. It’s fast, dance-centered popular music. The instrumentation varies by style but centers on a core trio in traditional merengue típico :
Güira: A metal scraper played with a stiff brush, representing indigenous Taíno influence.
Accordion: The primary lead instrument in traditional settings, representing European influence.
Tambora: A two-sided drum played on the lap, representing African influence.
In merengue de orquesta (big-band merengue) such as today’s song – Visa Para Un Sueño, the ensemble can expand to include saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, congas, and electric bass, creating a powerful sound similar to salsa.
[Verso 1]
Eran la’ cinco ‘e la mañana / It was five in the morning
Un seminarista, un obrero / A seminarian, a laborer
Con mil papeles de solvencia / With a thousand papers of solvency
Que no le dan, pa’ ser sinceros / That they don’t give him, to be honest
Eran la’ siete ‘e la mañana / It was seven in the morning
Y uno por uno al matadero / And one by one to the slaughterhouse
Pues cada cual tiene su precio / Because everyone has their price
Buscando visa para un sueño / Looking for a visa for a dream
[Verso 2]
El sol quemándoles la entraña, ¡huh! / The sun burning their insides, huh!
Un formulario de consuelo / A consolation form
Con una foto dos por cuatro / With a two-by-four photo
Que se derrite en el silencio / That melts in the silence
Eran las nueve ‘e la mañana / It was nine in the morning
Santo Domingo, 8 de enero / Santo Domingo, January 8th
Con la paciencia que se acaba / With patience running out
Pues ya no hay visa para un sueño / Because there’s no more visa for a dream
[Coro]
Buscando visa para un sueño / Looking for a visa for a dream
Buscando visa para un sueño / Looking for a visa for a dream
Buscando visa de cemento y cal / Looking for a visa of cement and lime
Y en el asfalto, ¿quién me va a encontrar? / And on the asphalt, who will find me?
Buscando visa para un sueño / Looking for a visa for a dream
Wo oh oh oi
Buscando visa para un sueño / Looking for a visa for a dream
Buscando visa, la razón de ser / Looking for a visa, the reason for being
Buscando visa para no volver / Looking for a visa to never return
Buscando visa para un sueño / Looking for a visa for a dream
Wo oh oh oh
Buscando visa para un sueño / Looking for a visa for a dream
[Coda]
Buscando visa, la necesidad / Looking for a visa, the need
Buscando visa, qué rabia me da ah ah / Looking for a visa, how angry it makes me ah ah
Buscando visa, golpe de poder / Looking for a visa, a power grab
Buscando visa, ¿qué mas puedo hacer? / Looking for a visa, what else can I do?
Buscando visa para naufragar / Looking for a visa to shipwreck
Buscando visa, carne de la mar / Looking for a visa, flesh of the sea
Buscando visa, la razón de ser / Looking for a visa, the reason for being
Buscando visa para no volver / Looking for a visa to never return
References:
1. Visa Para Un Sueño – Juan Luis Guerra
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
What a fabulous stage presence by this band. I can certainly hear the traditional trio of instruments represented in this high energy number. Speaking of ‘uplifting songs’ (per your comment on mine yesterday) this is a good lift, despite the struggles Guerra sings of. Great selection!
As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to send through the concert version so you could see the spectacular percussion on display, along with Luis’ wonderful vocals as usual. He makes it look so effortless. I’m glad you liked it so much, Steve.