Llévame Donde Nací (English: Take Me Back To Where I Was Born) is the title of a traditional Spanish language patriotic song about Gibraltar attributed to Gibraltarian, guitarist and composer Pepe Roman.[1]
| "Llévame Donde Nací" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Language | Spanish |
| Released | 1930s USA |
| Genre | Traditional music |
| Songwriter(s) | Pepe Roman |
| Composer(s) | Pepe Roman |
History
editThe song was written in the early 1930s after many Gibraltarians emigrated to the United States of America in search of job opportunities, but were instead faced with the hardships of the Great Depression. The song reflects the disillusion, anxiety and homesickness of these emigrants.[1]
During the Second World War, this song became an anthem for those civilians who were evacuated from The Rock.[1][2]
The song's popularity was maintained thereafter as Spanish sovereignty claims over Gibraltar during the 1960s leading to the eventual closure of the land frontier, resulting in complete isolation from the hinterland, gave rise to an increase in patriotic fervour.[1]
Current use
editLlévame Donde Nací is now one of many patriotic songs sung by crowds at big public events such as political demonstrations and cultural events. The most notable being the Gibraltar National Day when it is sung by a school choir outside the City Hall every 10 September before the Mayor reads the National Day Declaration.[3]
It is also the tune played by the chimes of the clock situated atop Watergate House at Grand Casemates Square on the hour.
Lyrics
edit
Spanish (original)editLlévame donde nací, |
English (translation)editTake me back to my birthplace
|
See also
editNotes
editi^ This is a translation of the original Spanish for use in Wikipedia, for the sole purpose of helping the non-Spanish speaker understand the content of the lyrics. It is in no way an official translation.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Anthems of Gibraltar Archived 2011-07-11 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Archer, Edward G (2006). Gibraltar, Identity and Empire. p. 233. ISBN 9780415347969. Retrieved 27 January 2009.
- ^ National Day Events - Wednesday 10 September 2008 Archived 13 November 2009 at the Wayback Machine