Mariachi Lyrics Archive
La Negra
He crossed all of Mexico and came back with silk from Tepic. She told him yes, but never told him when. A song with four lines of evasion and a lifetime of longing — devastating in the best possible way.
About the Song
"La Negra" (also known as "El Son de la Negra") is the best-known son jalisciense and is often called Mexico's "second national anthem." Its origins are obscure, but it is believed to have first been performed around 1890 by the Mariachi of Cocula, possibly composed by the group's director Salvador Flores. Composer Blas Galindo immortalized the melody in 1940 when he adapted it for his orchestral suite "Sones de Mariachi," premiered in New York City. The song has been a cornerstone of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán's repertoire and a fixture of Mexico's Golden Age of cinema. The word "negra" is a term of endearment meaning "darling" or "sweetheart" in Latin American Spanish. The silk rebozo from Tepic references the famed shawl-weaving tradition of Nayarit. UNESCO recognized mariachi as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, with La Negra as one of its most representative pieces.
Meaning of the Song
A man pines for his "negrita" (darling) — the woman who told everyone yes but never said when. She promised herself to all but committed to none, and now he's left in sorrow. He wants her back, picturing her with the silk rebozo he brought from Tepic. The "leaves of paper flying" evoke scattered love letters or unfulfilled promises carried away by the wind. Beneath the upbeat son jalisciense rhythm lies a universal lament: loving someone who keeps you waiting forever.
Watch the Song
Lyrics / Letra
Negrita de mis pesares
Ojos de papel volando
Negrita de mis pesares
Ojos de papel volando
A todos diles que sí
Pero no les digas cuando
Así me dijiste a mí
Por eso vivo penando
A donde estará mi negra, que la quiero ver aquí
Con su rebozo de seda
Que le traje de Tepic
A donde estará mi negra, que la quiero ver aquí
Con su rebozo de seda
Que le traje de Tepic
Ojos de papel volando
Negrita de mis pesares
Ojos de papel volando
A todos diles que sí
Pero no les digas cuando
Así me dijiste a mí
Por eso vivo penando
A donde estará mi negra, que la quiero ver aquí
Con su rebozo de seda
Que le traje de Tepic
A donde estará mi negra, que la quiero ver aquí
Con su rebozo de seda
Que le traje de Tepic
English Translation
Little dark one of my sorrows
Eyes like paper floating in the wind
Little dark one of my sorrows
Eyes like paper floating in the wind
Tell everyone yes
But don't tell them when
That's what you told me
And that is why I live in sufferingWhere could my dark one be, I want to see her here
With her silk rebozo
That I brought her from Tepic
Where could my dark one be, I want to see her here
With her silk rebozo
That I brought her from Tepic
Eyes like paper floating in the wind
Little dark one of my sorrows
Eyes like paper floating in the wind
Tell everyone yes
But don't tell them when
That's what you told me
And that is why I live in sufferingWhere could my dark one be, I want to see her here
With her silk rebozo
That I brought her from Tepic
Where could my dark one be, I want to see her here
With her silk rebozo
That I brought her from Tepic
Meet Mariachi Los Muertos™
Mariachi Los Muertos™ transforms classic mariachi songs into a collection of vivid characters. Each character in the Mariachi Los Muertos™ group has been developed to embody the spirit of traditional Mexican mariachi songs.
Inspired by the titles and themes of beloved songs, these characters bring to life the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico in a colorful and imaginative way.
Meet La Negra
Birthplace: San Juan de Ulula, Veracruz, México
Band Position: Public Relations and Folklorico dancer
Favorite Food: Mezcal and chapulines
Horoscope: Cancer
Band Position: Public Relations and Folklorico dancer
Favorite Food: Mezcal and chapulines
Horoscope: Cancer
Meet "La Negra," the lively public relations expert and folklorico dancer from San Juan de Ulúa, Veracruz, México! As a true Cancer, she’s warm, charismatic, and always ready to connect with people. Her favorite treats? Mezcal and chapulines—perfect for fueling her vibrant spirit.
"La Negra" is the life of the party, both on and off the stage. Her folklorico dances are as energetic and bold as the music itself, and her PR skills are unmatched, ensuring Mariachi Los Muertos always shines.
On stage, "La Negra" dances with grace and passion, telling stories through every step. Off stage, she’s the ultimate party starter, making sure everyone’s having fun and raising a glass of mezcal to every success. With her infectious energy, "La Negra" keeps the band’s spirit alive and the celebrations endless!
"La Negra" is the life of the party, both on and off the stage. Her folklorico dances are as energetic and bold as the music itself, and her PR skills are unmatched, ensuring Mariachi Los Muertos always shines.
On stage, "La Negra" dances with grace and passion, telling stories through every step. Off stage, she’s the ultimate party starter, making sure everyone’s having fun and raising a glass of mezcal to every success. With her infectious energy, "La Negra" keeps the band’s spirit alive and the celebrations endless!
