Collections › Puerto Rican Songs

Puerto Rican Songs

32 songs · chronological · A–Z by artist
Annotations and notes by Justin A. Brummer
Entries are numbered (#1, #2 …) for reference on this page; the numbers shift when entries are added or split.
Héctor Santiago-Colón, born 20 December 1942 in Salinas, Puerto Rico. He was killed in action in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 28 June 1968. one of nine Puerto Ricans posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor.3
A collection of Puerto Rican songs referencing the Vietnam War
The songs in this collection most often deal with: Soldier's Perspective, Anti-War, Themes Pending, Home Front Perspective.
1 of 3
Cover of Roy Brown's protest album 'Yo Protesto' (1970), with Puerto Rican demonstrators facing police.
Thousands of Puerto Ricans served with the US armed forces in the Vietnam War. According to the US Department of Defense: "During Vietnam, an estimated 48,000 Puerto Ricans served in the four service branches of the armed forces..340 Puerto Ricans died in combat, and 17 were listed as missing in action.12
This forms part of the larger Vietnam War Song Project, an interpretive examination of over 6,500 Vietnam War songs identified, revealing how the war's significance is represented through music. The project also collects spoken-word recordings about the conflict. This unique collection of voices advances scholarship by providing insights into people’s views about the war over time as represented in music, looking at diverse communities and vibrant music scenes. It is crucial in developing our knowledge of the war and the humanities, through the use of a digital research platform.
Note: The VWSP has identified, to date, 30+ songs from Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican artists.
Citation: Justin A. Brummer, Vietnam War Song Project (VWSP) — Puerto Rican Songs, vietnamwarsongproject.com/list/puerto-rican-songs, accessed 12 November 2026

War Years: 1964-1972

Privates First Class Carl Baden (New Orleans, Louisiana) and Arcadio Carrion (Puerto Rico) laying in the mud at My Tho, the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam (April 4, 1968)
Released during the key war years, the songs included mention Vietnam, or the lyrics deal with war-related themes, such as the draft, napalm, prisoners of war, demonstrations, references to soldiers and veterans, war & peace, and expressions of patriotism.

While the war goes back to the 1954 Geneva conference, following the Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964), the US significantly expanded its presence in the region and its defence of South Vietnam, and thus using this date as the beginning of the core war years. These run to the collapse of South Vietnam (30 April 1975), in two periods: (a) 1964-1972, the years of major US combat involvement, up to the peace agreement; (b) 1973-1975, from the Paris Peace Accords (27 January 1973), which brought US troops and prisoners of war home, to the collapse of South Vietnam.

1966

#1 El Indio de Bayamón La guerra en Vietnam 1966 · Album · Navidades con el Indio de Bayamón · Alma # LP-114 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Puerto Rican artist ("The Indian of Bayamon"), also known as Juan Ortiz Vargas, released the song "La guerra en Vietnam" ( "The War in Vietnam" ) (Alma # LP-114) on the album "Christmas with the Indian of Bayamón" - Bayamón is a municipality of Puerto Rico, located in the northern coastal valley. Many war songs are released during the holiday season, when families often come together. The song is in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.2
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Alma LP-114, "Navidades con El Indio de Bayamón", acompañado por Sor Angel Torres y su Conjunto Típico, High Fidelity, cream label; Lado A track 3: "La Guerra En Viet Nam" – Aguinaldo Cagueño (Felipe Vazquez Villega). [From the record sleeve and labels]

1967

#2 La Lloroncita Papito en Vietnam 1967 · Single · Papito en Viet Nam · Pop Art # 112 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as La Lloroncita con Nieves Quintero y su Conj..
Annotation
Born Quetcy Alma Martínez De Jesús on 17 May 1956, in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, the track "Papito en Viet Nam" ( "Daddy in Vietnam" ) (Pop Art Records # 112) is probably the most well-known Vietnam War song from Puerto Rico. Known as La Lloroncita, she was around 10 or 11 years old when she released this record.2 It appeared on the album Jibarita (Pop Art Records #LP 154). Both the single and album were released in New York, USA. The song was composed by Luz Celenia Tirado, born on 1 August 1928 in Puerto Rico. The song is in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.2 Needless to say, this is sung from the perspective of a child whose father is "fighting in Vietnam" . She referred to it as a "merciless war" and "terrible conflict" , thus leaning towards the anti-war side.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Seis milonga, as printed on the label. Pop Art Records 112 (PAH-3060), gold and black label; A & R: J. Salguero, producer Jose I. Acosta; "Papito en Viet Nam" (Luz C. Tirado), time 2:56; La Lloroncita con Nieves Quintero y su Conj. Rim text: "Produced by Pop Art Records Interprise of N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'm sad and desolate, almost orphaned I'll say
Because my daddy went off to the merciless war
Desperate situation is what I suffer
Blessed I beg the infinite to take care of all those who are in the Vietnam war where daddy is
How can I not cry every time I'm singing
If I keep remembering that I can't hug him
He doesn't come to caress me like he did every little while
He doesn't bring me toys
He doesn't sing to me
Because fighting in Vietnam is where you find your daddy today
I remember with sadness when I saw him in his uniform
With his soldier's clothes very upright in his head
He stared at me with a mocking smile
He said to me, heart you must pray to god that your daddy comes home from Vietnam
Lord god of great power hear my petition
Is my humble plea to return
Make him finish the troop of that terrible conflict
And come back healthy to kiss him again
I miss playing, bring my daddy from Vietnam
Show full lyrics (20 lines) ▾
#3 La Lloroncita Jibarita 1967
Annotation
As discussed above, the song "Papito en Viet Nam" appeared on this 1967 album (Pop Art Records # LP 154).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#4 El Gran Combo Vas Bien 1967 · Album · Boogaloos con El Gran Combo · Gema # LPG-3044 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
El Gran Combo, a salsa group formed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1962, released the song "Vas bien" ( "You're Doing Well" ) (Gema # LPG-3044), written by the band leader Rafael Ithier, and sung by Pellín Rodríguez - born 4 December 1926, Santurce, Puerto Rico; died 31 October 1984, San Juan, Puerto Rico - and Andy Montañez. This one took a more comic, novelty approach, about how his friends were being sent to Vietnam, and that he would not get caught up in the conflict. Originally released on a Cuban record label.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gema Records LPG-3044, stereo, "Boogaloos con El Gran Combo"; cantan Pellín Rodríguez y Andy Montañez; arreglos y dirección de Rafael Ithier; Lado A track 3: "Vas Bien" – Guaracha (Rafael Ithier), 2:48 on the back cover; light blue label. Mftd. and dist. by Gema Records Corp., San Antonio No. 422, Santurce, Puerto Rico; distributed in the U.S.A. by Armada & Fernandez of Florida, Inc., Miami. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The one they took to Vietnam was Armando's son
And as a natural thing, he was trembling
Look for another man, I screamed in the middle of the race
Well, what is for me is not caught, nor tied up with chain, no way
That I don't go back there, that they take Cholo, that they take Manolo....
Spanish
Al que se llevaron pa’ Vietnam fue al hijo de Armando
y como una cosa natural, él iba temblando
¡Búsquese a otro hombre
Gritaba en plena carrera
Pues lo que es a mí no me cogen
Ni amarrao’ con cadena! ¡Qué va
Que yo no me vuelvo pa’ allá, que se lleven a Cholo
Que se lleven a Manolo
Que la guerra se hizo pal guapo, y yo de guapo no tengo na
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾

1970

#5 Roy Brown No me sulfuro más 1970 · Album · Yo protesto · Libre # VR-1001 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Roy Brown, born 18 July 1945 in Orlando, Florida, USA - his mother came from Ponce, a city in Puerto Rico, his father was a US naval officer. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He released the politically charged Yo protesto album in 1969 on a label called Disco Libre, owned by the Puerto Rican Socialist Party. The album became a symbol of the protest movement at the university and throughout the country. This provides a look at an under-represented area of Vietnam War research.12 Several songs referenced the Vietnam War: in the song "No me sulfuro más" ( "I Don't Suffer Anymore" ), he used Vietnam, and other places, to compare to the suffering in Puerto Rico: "there in Santo Domingo, Haiti, and in Vietnam, there are thousands of others who also suffer badly" . The song "Monón" attacked the US for its use of power across the world. The song also featured on the 1978 compilation Viva Puerto Rico Libre (Paredon Records # P-1035), which contained another Vietnam War song, discussed below.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
US issue on Vanguardia VR-1001 (the Puerto Rican issue is on Libre), "Yo Protesto", Roy Brown, red label, 33 1/3 RPM; Side A track 3: "No Me Sulfuro" (Aguinaldo); "No Me Sulfuro Más" on the back cover. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There in Santo Domingo, Haiti, and in Vietnam, there are thousands of others who also suffer badly
#6 Roy Brown Monón 1970 · Album · Yo protesto · Libre # VR-1001 · Puerto Rico
Annotation: see “No me sulfuro más” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Because the man of destiny,
The one who never came,
Goes around dropping bombs,
Goes around digging graves,
With their electronic forces,
With their nuclear minds,
They dig a shaft in Lares,
They drop bombs in Vietnam,
They throw bombs in Nigeria,
They dig graves in Siberia …
And a young man doing penance
Cries in outrage: Fire, fire, fire,
The world is in flames, fire, fire,
The Yankees want fire
Spanish
Pues el hombre del destino,
Aquél que nunca vino,
Anda tirando bombas,
Anda cavando tumbas,
Con sus fuerzas electrónicas,
Con sus mentes nucleares,
Cavan un pozo en Lares,
Sueltan bombas en Vietnam,
Tiran bombas en Nigeria,
Cavan tumbas en Siberia …
Y un joven en penitencia
Grita indignado: Fuego, fuego, fuego,
El mundo está en llamas, fuego, fuego,
Los Yanquis quieren fuego
Show full lyrics (31 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#7 Moralito A Viet Nam 1970 · Album · Jíbaro de tierra adentro · Elegante # LPP-121 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The song "A Viet Nam" ( "To Vietnam" ) (Elegante Records # LPP-121) by Moralito, born 20 June 1924, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, died 21 July 1988, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. No date is on the record, although copyright was established in 1970.1 Additionally, the song appeared on the VA compilation Asi es nuestra navidad. His brother Ramito also released a Vietnam War song: "Recuerdos de Vietnam" , below. This is played in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.2.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
No date on the record; copyright 1970. Also on the compilation Asi es nuestra navidad.

1972

#8 Raphy Leavitt Soldado 1972 · Album · Mi barrio · Borinquen # DG 1221 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The song "Soldado" ( "Soldier" ) (Borinquen # DG 1221) by Raphy Leavitt, born 17 September 1948, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he moved to the US, and died on 5 August 2015, in Miami, Florida. This is in the Salsa genre, derived from Cuban Son and developed in places such as Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and New York City. The song was released on a San Juan music label, founded by Dario Gonzalez. The song looked at both the soldier and home front perspective, taking an anti-war position. The narrator said that "luck has abandoned" a man, as he was sent "away from your land...your loved ones" to fight in Vietnam. He "left full of heroism" , but returned "in delirium" . The soldier's "mother alone screams" while the soldier is away, "only god knows destiny of that sad brother" . The narrator concluded with: "enough with weapons...oh suffering great pain" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Borinquen DG-1221, compatible stereo, "Mi Barrio", Raphy Leavitt y su Orquesta La Selecta; canta: Sammy Marrero; arr. Raphy Leavitt; Lado B track 1: "Soldado" (Raphy Leavitt); black label. Personnel: Raphy Leavitt (director, piano), Sammy Marrero (vocals), Billy Pizarro (1st trumpet), Luis Maisonett (2nd trumpet), Richard López (1st trombone), Franky León (2nd trombone), Jimmy Sánchez (bass), Nelson Ramos (timbales), William (Kidland) Marcano (conga), Pelo Román (bongo), Luis Maisonett and Jimmy Sánchez (coro).

Produced by Darío González; recorded at Discos Borinquen Studio; recording engineer Richard Stanley; photo by José M. Feliciano; pressed by Río Piedras Record Mfg.

The back-cover biography says Leavitt was born in Puerta de Tierra on 17 September 1948 and studied accordion at the academy of George Kudirka. "Soldado" was also issued as a single (b/w "Difícil de olvidar") on Borinquen D-382 in Puerto Rico, and in Panama on Istmo Pops DG-1829 (M-DG-1829-1), "bajo licencia Borinquen", made by Fonodiscos, credited to "Orquesta La Selecta", canta: Samy Marrero. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Luck has abandoned you, now you have to go
While they taught you to love your brothers
Why will they take you, to other places to kill?
Soldier...you left in your land, your loved ones
Your parents, your friends, and that pretty woman soldier...
Where will it be, where will it have gone?
There on a mountain is lost, why this punishment?
Well away from your land, and instead of peace
They offer you soldier war, you left full of heroism
And now you return in delirium
Listen now, listen now, listen to this sound
And so you will know that I do not forget you
That woman who has loved you
He is still waiting for you here in his soldier's nest
Only God knows destiny of that sad brother
His mother alone screams, asking God to be blessed
Enough with weapons, may the heart reign
It is sunk in the undergrowth, oh suffering great pain
Spanish
La suerte te ha abandonado
Ahora tienes que marchar
Si bien te enseñaron, a amar tus hermanos
¿Por que será que te llevan
a otros sitios a matar...?
Soldado...
Dejaste en tu tierra
tus seres amados
tus padres, tus amigos
y aquella linda mujer
Soldado...
Coro: ¿Dónde estará... dónde habrá ido.?
Allá en un monte esta perdido
¿a que se debe tal castigo?
Bien alejado de tu tierra
y en vez de paz te ofrecen guerra soldado
Te fuistes lleno de heroísmo
y ahora regresas en delirio
Escucha ahora, escucha ahora
escucha este sonido
y así sabrás que no te olvido
Esa mujer que te ha querido
aún te espera acá en su nido soldado
Tan solo Dios sabe el destino
de aquel hermano entristecido
Su madre a solas lanza gritos
pidiendo a Dios que sea bendito
Ya basta con la armas
que reine el corazón
Se encuentra hundido en la maleza
ay! sufriendo un gran dolor
Show full lyrics (52 lines) ▾

1973-1975: Paris Peace Accords to the Fall of Saigon

El Monumento de la Recordación - a memorial monument in San Juan, Puerto Rico, honouring Puerto Ricans who died in combat in service of the United States Armed Forces.
Between the Paris Peace Accords (27 January 1973) and the collapse of South Vietnam (30 April 1975). This marked the final end of the Vietnam War, with most American civilians and troops evacuated during the North Vietnamese invasion. The two halves of the country were reunified, and Saigon renamed Ho Chi Minh City, after the North Vietnamese leader Hồ Chí Minh.

1973

#9 Daniel Santos En Vietnam 1973 · Single · En Vietnam / Tengo Coraje · BMC # 45-15260 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Daniel Santos con el Sexteto Borinquen.
Annotation
The song "En Vietnam" ( "In Vietnam" ) (BMC # 45-15260) by Daniel Santos, born 6 June 1916, in Santurce, Puerto Rico; died 7 November 1992, in Ocala, Florida, USA. The song appeared on the album Daniel Santos en Vietnam which featured a picture of a soldier writing a letter in a fake-looking trench (see immediately below). The songs tells that sad story of two soldiers killed in action (K.I.A.). The first soldier received a letter "in Vietnam...in the undergrowth between blood and cold fire" , from his Uncle saying that his son had already died in the war. Due to the sadness of losing his son, the father forgot that he was in a war position, and "a bullet went through him" and he subsequently died as well.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
BMC 45-15260 A (BM-2430), "Siempre en Orbita" label, Hi-Fi, Bolero; "En Vietnam" (Daniel Santos), Daniel Santos con el Sexteto Borinquen; "Made in U.S.A. by B.M.C. Record Dist. Corp." No time is printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
In Vietnam, on the banks of a river in the undergrowth between blood and cold fire
A soldier will cry, in Vietnam
A letter from his uncle has come
To him by surprise saying that my nephew has already died
And between the crying and the sadness he forgot about the challenge
A bullet went through him, and falling backwards he shouted in the space
Exclaiming 'my son, come on I'm waiting for you
Let's go to the beyond'...and in glory
The soldier and his father met in Vietnam
#10 Daniel Santos con el Sexteto Borinquen En Vietnam 1973 · Album · BMC # BLP-1575 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
1973, post-war album featuring the song "En Vietnam" (BMC # BLP-1575), discussed above. The record label was based in New York, focusing on Latin American music. Founded by Mario Hernández who released the song "Viet Nam" on the album Mi gran bandera: Canciones patrioticas, discussed above.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
The LP was also issued in Venezuela as Diversión ML-584 ("Grabación B.M.C."), "Daniel Santos en Vietnam con el Auténtico Sexteto Borinquen", orange label, "Hecho en Venezuela"; Lado A track 1: "En Vietnam" – Bolero (Daniel Santos).

The back cover dedicates the album to "los muchachos que fueron, los que aún están y a los que tal vez irán a pelear a los campos de Vietnam". [From the record sleeve and labels]

Post-War: 1976-present

Themes especially found in the post-Vietnam War era are lyrics about post-traumatic stress disorder, prisoners of war and the missing in action, the plight and treatment of veterans, and agent orange.

The 1980s especially saw a revival of interest in the Vietnam War, which had subsided in the mid to late 70s following the US withdrawal. Both films and music sought to reflect on the impact the war had on American society and to ask "why did the North win?" A Reagan-era trend of nationalism grew, an attempt to overcome the "Vietnam Syndrome" - the perception that domestic controversies over the war led to the US taking a less interventionist position in US foreign affairs. This term also applied to veterans, who may have felt guilt or shame about the war, influenced by the domestic climate they returned to in the US.1

Ronald Reagan spoke about this on 18 August 1980: "for too long, we have lived with the Vietnam Syndrome..As the years dragged on, we were told that peace would come if we would simply stop interfering and go home..We dishonor the memory of 50,000 young Americans who died..we give way to feelings of guilt as if we were doing something shameful, and we have been shabby in our treatment of those who returned. They fought as well and as bravely as any Americans have ever fought in any war. They deserve our gratitude, our respect, and our continuing concern".2 Many war films of the period fitted into this climate of trying to overcome the Vietnam Syndrome, such as First Blood [Rambo] (1982), Uncommon Valor (1983), and Missing in Action (1984).

1978

#11 Various Artists Viva Puerto Rico Libre 1978
16 more pictures — swipe →
Annotation
Compilation of patriotic Porto Rican songs, supporting independence from the US. It included three Vietnam War-related songs: "Glorioso Vietnam" by Andres Jimenez, "Monón" by Roy Brown, and "Contrariedad" by Noel Hernández.1Paredon released the record, founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber in 1969, whose objective was to "seek out the music and speech, documentary or dialogue, that spring from the conscious artist who relates to people's movements, and which pour from all people in struggle".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#12 Andrés Jiménez Antonia Martínez (Song for Antonia Martínez) 1978 · Album · Puerto Rico: Como el filo del machete / Like the Edge of the Machete: Songs of the Struggle for Puerto Rican Independence · Paredon # P-1040 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The Puerto Rican song "Antonia Martinez (Song for Antonia Martinez)" (Paredon Records # P-1040), told the story of a demonstrator killed by the National Guard at a Puerto Rican demonstration against the war in Vietnam. The booklet of the record described the incident, and noted that it received little attention, compared the the Kent State killings on 4 May 1970, similar to the lack awareness around the killing of two African-American at Jackson State, thus suggesting a degree of prejudice surrounding minorities and people of colour.. The booklet said:
Quote
"Antonia Martinez, a sixteen year old girl, was killed randomly in 1970 by a U.S. National Guardsman during their student strike at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras, San Juan. She was attending a demonstration against the war in Vietnam, the drafting of young Puerto Rican men into the U.S. armed forces, and the presence of ROTC on the campuses. Written for the first anniversary of her death, this song demonstrates the shock and anger of the masses at this criminal outrage, and recaptures the historical importance of that moment of the struggle. It is interesting to note that Antonia's murder, along with numerous other incidents involving the killing of black and other minority students during the protest against the war in Vietnam, went relatively unnoticed, whereas the cold-blooded killings of four white students at Kent State during the same period were brought to the attention of the entire world through the a tremendous media barrage".1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Antonia Martínez, 16, was shot dead by a National Guardsman on 4 March 1970 during the student strike at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, at a demonstration against the war, the draft and ROTC. Paredon P-1040, "Puerto Rico: Como el filo del machete / Like the Edge of the Machete: Songs of the Struggle for Puerto Rican Independence", sung by Andrés Jiménez, © 1978 Paredon Records, Box 889, Brooklyn, NY 11202; Side 2, Band 1: "Antonia Martinez" – punto Fajardeño (4:10); words and music by Juan de Mata and Andrés Jiménez.

The booklet says the song was written for the first anniversary of her death. [From the record sleeve and booklet]
Lyrics
English
I remember the fourth of March
With agony and sadness,
The day Antonia died,
Victim of that savage blow.
Wiped out by a single bullet
That ended her destiny,
Death overcame her
At the hands of a criminal,
In a brutal manner,
Victim of a murderer.
The people crowded around,
Full of sadness,
To look on in pain
As her body bled.
Her life escaped,
Her heart no longer beat.
She departed for another world,
That innocent young woman,
Villainously assassinated
By a foolish policeman.
And at this humiliating outrage,
The whole people mournfully cried.
And seeing her that way,
Their hate and anger was awakened.
Blood stained her dress,
The smell of blood was in the air,
All smiles were clouded,
All hearts lamented.
More shots could be heard
As Antonia lay there dying.
But that is not the worst;
People, I'll tell you this,
The policeman got away
From the murder, absolved.
The people tremble because of this,
And their hearts bleed,
And they make prayers
For her immaculate soul.
Antonia has been avenged.
Long live the revolution!
Spanish
Recuerdo el cuatro de Marzo
Con tristeza y agonía,
Cuando Antonia se moría
Víctima de aquel zarpazo.
Fulminada de un balazo
Que así tronchó su destino,
La muerte le sobrevino
De manos de un criminal,
De una manera brutal
Víctima de un asesino.
La gente se aglomeraba,
Toda de tristeza llena,
A contemplarla con pena
Mientras su cuerpo sangraba.
La vida se le escapaba,
Su corazón no latía,
Y hacia otro mundo partía,
Y esa joven inocente
Asesinada vilmente
Por un necio policía.
Y ante el humillante ultraje
El pueblo triste lloraba.
Y al verla así despertaba
Su odio y su coraje.
La sangre manchó su traje.
Y olor de sangre en la brisa
Y se nublaron las sonrisas
Hay llanto en los corazones
Y se oyen más detonaciones,
Mientras Antonia agoniza.
Pero lo grave no es esto,
Señores lo digo yo,
El policia salió
Del asesinato absueltos.
Y el pueblo tiembla por eso
Y sangra su corazón,
Y reza una oración
Por su alma immaculada.
Antonia ha sido vengada,
¡Viva la Revolución!
Show full lyrics (83 lines) ▾

1993

#13 Los Pies Negros Prisionero del VietCong 1993 · Album · Los Pies Negros · Fuera de Orden # 003 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Ska band, formed in 1991 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. They released the song "Prisionero del VietCong" (Fuera De Orden Records ‎# 003) about a US Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) in North Vietnam, from the prisoner's perspective, who thinks that he "will not see the sun anymore". The narrator noted that "you have been tortured", and the prisoner is "in search of freedom".& Vietnam War: Latin & Central American, & Caribbean Music
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Fuera de Orden Rekords F.D.O. 003, cassette, "Los Pies Negros"; Side A track 5: "Prisionero de Viet Com" (no writer credits printed); Fuera de Orden Rekords, P.O. Box 1333, Hatillo, P.R. 00659; "Todos los derechos reservados". Line-up: Juan "Paito" Rivera (vocals, guitar), Wilmer "Wimbo" Laboy del Toro (guitar), Werner "Gugui" Rodríguez del Toro (bass), Lester Irrizarry (drums), Alexis Matos (keyboard). [From the cassette inlay and Discogs]
Lyrics
English
Today I have shorn
Listen to my voice and you will see that at night you will not be able to go out
It is that things are very different and you will not be able to escape
They have tortured you
You have reached the point today where you think you will not see the sun anymore
In the palm of your hand you spend twenty days in the dark
You move everywhere in search of freedom
With a disaster of bodies around you cannot find control
You have been tortured
You have reached the point today where you think you are not going to see more the sun
In the palm of your hand
Spanish
Hoy he trasquilado
Escucha mi voz y veras que en la noche no podras salir
Es que las cosas son muy differentes y no podras escapar
Te han torturado
Has llegado al punto hoy en que piensas no lo vas a ver mas el sol
En la palma de tu mano pasas veinte dias en la oscuridad
Te mueves a todas partes en bussca de liberdad
Con un desastre de cuerpos alrededor no puedes encontrar el control
Te han torturado
Has llegado al punto hoy en que piensas no lo vas a ver mas el sol
En la palma de tu mano
Show full lyrics (25 lines) ▾
Themes: P.O.W. VC
Genres: ♪ ReggaeSka

Unknown date

#14 Orquesta La Selecta Soldado Single · Soldado / Difícil de olvidar
Annotation
A Panamanian pressing of Raphy Leavitt y su Orquesta La Selecta's "Soldado" , made by Fonodiscos "bajo licencia Borinquen" on the Istmo Pops label (DG-1829), credited to "Orquesta La Selecta" with Samy (Sammy) Marrero as singer and backed with "Difícil de olvidar". It is the same recording as the album track on Mi barrio (Borinquen DG-1221, 1972), listed above, which was also issued as a single in Puerto Rico on Borinquen D-382.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#15 Maso Rivera La jugadita de Vietnam Single · La jugadita de Vietnam / A todas las madres · Toa Alta # 104 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Maso Rivera con J. Villalba y su Conj. con Chiquitin Santiago y Rey Vargas.
Notes
Guaracha, as printed on the label. Toa Alta Records 104-A, 45 R.P.M., "Hecho en P.R.", guaracha; "La jugadita de Vietnam" (Maso Rivera); canta Maso Rivera con J. Villalba y su Conj., con Chiquitin Santiago y Rey Vargas; yellow label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#16 Chuito el de Bayamón & Maso Rivera La jugadita de Vietnam Single · Así empecé jugando / La jugadita de Vietnam · Ansonia # 45-6721 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Chuito el de Bayamón (El Decano de los Cantores) con Maso Rivera y su Conjunto.
Annotation
The song "La jugadita de Vietnam" ( "The Little Game of Vietnam" ) (Ansonia Records # 45-6721) released in New York, USA, in the Guaracha genre: "The original inspiration of guaracha were the Spanish 'jácaras'. Jácaras were satirical and playful (often using a vulgar language) short monologues and songs played in the entr'actes of theatrical performances during the 16th and 17th centuries...Guaracha is also very popular in Puerto Rico, which developed its own style of guarachas". The song featured on the album El decano de los cantores: Vol. 9 - Felicitaciones en Navidad (Ansonia Records # SALP 1461). The artist Chuíto was born Jesús Sánchez Erazo, on 24 August 1900, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and died in the same city on 25 January 1979. He was also a member of the Californian group Los Madrugadores, and the group. Conjunto Típico Ladí.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Guaracha, as printed on the label (B side). Also on the album El decano de los cantores: Vol. 9 - Felicitaciones en Navidad (Ansonia SALP 1461). Ansonia 45-6721 B (8124), "High Fidelity · Unbreakable", guaracha, "Made in U.S.A."; "La jugadita de Vietnam" (Maso Rivera); Chuito el de Bayamón (El Decano de los Cantores) con Maso Rivera y su Conjunto. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#17 Odilio Gonzalez Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam Single · Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam / Todos de Parranda · Dial [New York] # 1016 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Odilio Gonzalez con Yomo Toro, Nieves Quintero, M. Velazquez, Pedro J. Andino y Gilberto Colon.
Annotation
The "Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam" ( "Puerto Rican Crosses in Vietnam" ) (Dial Record # 1016) leaned towards the anti-war perspective, focusing on the Puerto Ricans who died in the Vietnam War. It released on New York label Dial Record, which released Puerto Rican music. This recored was released by Odilio González, born 5 March 1937 in Lares, Puerto Rico, in the in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.1 The song was composed by Germán Rosario, who also composed and performed the song "Caidos en Vietnam", below. The narrator recalled how by "mandatory draft" the soldiers were sent to Vietnam, who "fought desperately" . The song ended on a sad note: "for every ten Puerto Ricans, there is a cross in Vietnam" . Featured on the album Alegre Navidad (LaFlor # LP-109), below.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Seis milonga, as printed on the label. Dial Record 1016-A, "A Product of Dial Record Corp., N.Y.", orange and cream sunburst label; "Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam" (German Rosario), seis milonga; "Canta: Odilio Gonzalez con Yomo Toro, Nieves Quintero, M. Velazquez, Pedro J. Andino y Gilberto Colon". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Vietnam is a territory, in distant horizons
Where my brothers have gone by mandatory draft, our brave soldiers, there they arrived one day
Boys who still were not well trained, they fought desperately under a captain and the chaplain knows well
In front of the wicked reds, that for every ten Puerto Ricans, there is a cross in Vietnam
Spanish
Es Vietnam un territorio, en horizontes lejanos
Donde han ido mis hermanos por mandato obligatorio
Nuestros valientes soldados, allí arribaron un día, muchachos que todavía, no estaban bien entrenados
Pelearon desesperados, al mando de un capitán, y bien sabe el capellán, frente a los rojos inicuos, que por cada diez Boricuas hay una cruz en Vietnam
Theme: Anti-War
#18 Odilio González Alegre Navidad
Annotation
As mentioned, the above song "Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam" ( "Puerto Rican Crosses in Vietnam" ) (LaFlor # LP-109) featured on this Christmas album, called "Alegre Navidad" ("Merry Christmas").
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#19 German Rosario Caidos en Vietnam Album · German Rosario - Volumen 2 · Ansonia # SALP 1462 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The song "Caidos en Vietnam" ( "Fallen in Vietnam" ) (Ansonia Records # SALP 1462) by German Rosario, born in Camuy, Puerto Rico, in 1914. He died in New York, USA, in 1972. He also wrote the song above, Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam, performed by Odilio González.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Ansonia SALP 1462 (stereo; mono ALP 1462), "German Rosario Vol. 2", German Rosario con Maso Rivera y sus Jíbaros (the label reads "con Maso Rivera y su Conjunto"); Lado 2 (SRP 717), track 4: "Caidos en Vietnam" – Mapeyé (Germán Rosario); black label, "High Fidelity · Unbreakable", Made in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#20 Davilita & Mario Hernandez con el Sexteto Borinquen Viet Nam Album · Mi gran bandera: Canciones patrioticas · Festival [Puerto Rico] # FR-03 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The track "Viet Nam" (Festival Records # FR-03) is a collaboration between the Puerto Rican artists Davilita - born 21 May 1912, and died 8 July 1986 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico; Mario Hernández - born 24 June 1924, and died 2 January 2013, in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico; and the group Sexteto Borinquen - formed in 1961, in Puerta de Tierra, Puerto Rico. This song focused on Puerto Rican patriotism, and independence, noting that if these men, sent to "fight without knowing why" were to fight "to liberate Borinquen [Puerto Rico]" , then they would no longer be called the "heroes of Vietnam" , but "subversives" . This is a very interested track, questioning why the Puerto Ricans must fight in the US army ( "they have to comply, they cannot refuse" ), yet do not have freedom in their own country.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Festival Records FR-03, stereo, "Mi Gran Bandera (José de Diego) – Canciones Patrióticas de Davilita", con Davilita / Mario Hernández, Sexteto Borinquen (the label reads "Canta Davilita–Mario Hernández con el Sexteto 'Borinquen'"); Lado B track 4: "Viet-Nam" (Pedro Ortiz Dávila); Horóscopo label design, 33 1/3 RPM. The back-cover notes, by Amado Alonso García, introduce Davilita (Pedro Ortiz Dávila), born in Bayamón on 21 May 1913. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Going to Vietnam, taken away, all of them, to Vietnam
They’re from Puerto Rico, oh Lord in heaven, and off they go
They go there to fight without knowing why
They’re going to fight, they have to comply
They cannot refuse to offer their blood
In Vietnam, they’re from our country
Oh how many boys from here have to go!
And after they die, they’re called heroes of liberty
But if their fight was to liberate Borinquen [Puerto Rico]
Everything would change and the 'heroes of Vietnam' would be just called 'subversives'
#21 Raffie Quinones Un soldado en Vietnam Single · Un soldado en Vietnam / No volvere a querer · Ven-Lex # 45-4246 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Raffie Quinones y su conj..
Annotation
The song "Un soldado en Vietnam" ( "A Soldier in Vietnam" ) - this is a very obscure, rare Puerto Rican record. Unfortunately nothing is known at present about this artist, record, label, and song. It is sung in the Bolero style - "type of Latin American Music ballad with a 2/4 time signature that appeared in eastern Cuba towards the end of the 19th century".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bolero, as printed on the label. The pictured copy is a promotional pressing (For Promotion, Not For Sale). Producciones Ven-Lex "Alta Fidelidad" 45-4246A, 45 RPM, Hi-Fi, blue label stamped "For Promotion Not for Sale"; "Un soldado en Vietnam" (Vicente Lebron), bolero; "Canta: Raffie Quinones y su conj.", Almas Borincanas: Tista, Juan, Pepe, Misael y Alejo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#22 Angel Vazquez A un hijo en Viet Nam Single · A un hijo en Viet Nam / Jesus Nazareno · ALADH # 1003 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The song "A un hijo en Viet Nam" ( "To a Son in Viet Nam" ) (ALADH # 1003) by Puerto Rican artist Angel Vazquez, who also released records under the name Angel Vazquez El Rey De Los Jibaritos. He lived in New York and New Jersey and released several records there, in the Jibaro genre - "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.12
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Also on the LP "Puerto Rico Traditional Christmas Songs: Aguinaldos de Pasión y Música de Monte Adentro" (ALADH LP-001), red label, 33 1/3 R.P.M.; Cara A track 1: "A Un Hijo En Vietnam" – Aguinaldo, "autor Angel Vazquez". Accompanied by José Antonio Nieves y su conjunto típico. The sleeve notes say Vazquez was born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, and sang as a trovador on the radio programme "Tribuna del Arte" directed by Rafael Quiñonez Vidal. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#23 Adolfo Avellanet Regalito de Viet-Nam Single · Regalito de Viet-Nam / Mama vieja · LaFlor # 201 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Puerto Rican musician, who played guitar for French musician Carlos Gardel, and is father to the musician Chucho Avellanet1 He released the song "Regalito de Viet-Nam" ( "Vietnamese Gift" ) (LaFlor # 201).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
LaFlor 201-A; "Regalito de Viet-Nam" (Ismael Santiago); canta Adolfo Avellanet; yellow label illustrated with a dancing couple in folk dress. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#24 Angel Luis Torruellas & Ismael Santiago Un jíbaro en Vietnam Single · Un jíbaro en Vietnam / Homenaje a Carlos Ortiz · LaFlor # 180 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Angel Luis Torruellas con Ismael Santiago y sus Pleneros.
Annotation
Collaboration between Angel Luis Torruellas, born 28 January 1938, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and Ismael Santiago, born 6 June 1910, in Aibonita, Puerto Rico, with the release of the song "Un jibaro en Vietnam" ( "A jibaro in Vietnam" ) (LaFlor # 180) - Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.1. As discussed above, it is also a genre: Jibaro - "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Angel Luis Torruellas said in a 1997 interview that he wanted an LP by the name "Un jibaro en Vietnam", but it was never released.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Plena, as printed on the label. LaFlor 180-A, plena, 45 RPM; "Un jíbaro en Vietnam" (Ismael Santiago); canta Angel Luis Torruellas con Ismael Santiago y sus Pleneros; yellow label illustrated with a dancing couple in folk dress. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#25 Pedrito Romero Una cruz en Viet Nam Single · Cuando no estoy contigo / Una cruz en Viet Nam · Discos Radioramic Complaciendo # 826 · Puerto Rico
Notes
The song "Una cruz en Viet Nam" ( "A Cross in Viet Nam" ) (Discos Radioramic Complaciendo # 826) by obscure Puerto Rican artist Pedrito Romera. Composed by Porfirio Reyes. The genre of this song is listed on the label as Bolero - "a type of Hispanic American Music ballad with a 2/4 time signature that appeared in eastern Cuba towards the end of the 19th century". The back of the LP "El nuevo jibarito" provided some biographical details:
Notes
Spanish: Pedrito Romera, mas concido por 'El Nuevo Jibarito' surglo como por encanto, como surge todo lo bueno . De la noche a la manana se ha conviertido en un idolo mas de la cancion popular. Nacio en al hom pueblito de Salinos, Puerto Rico des cual se gullece"
Liner notes
Pedrito Romera, best known for 'El Nuevo Jibarito' emerged as if by charm, as everything good comes out. Overnight he has become one more idol of popular song. He was born in the small town of Salinos, Puerto Rico, of which he is proud
Notes
Discos Radioramic "Complaciendo" 826-B, Hi-Fidelity, yellow label; "Una Cruz En Viet Nam" – Bolero (Música: P. Reyes y A. Pagan); canta: Pedrito Romero, El Trio Los Jibaritos (Julio, Georgie, Rey). [From the record sleeve and labels]
#26 Ramito Recuerdos de Vietnam Album · El cantor de la montaña · Canomar # CLP 525 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The song "Recuerdos de Vietnam" ( "Vietnam Souvenirs" ) (Canomar Records # CLP 525) by Ramito, born 5 September 1915, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, died 23 January 1989, in Salinas, Puerto Rico. Brother of Moralito, who released "A Viet Nam" on Jibaro de tierra adentro, discussed above. This is played in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.1.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#27 Domingo Claudio y Su Conjunto A Vietnam Album · Milagros de Navidad · L & M # LP 102 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Domingo Claudio released the song "A Vietnam" (L & M Records # LP 102) on a New York, USA, label. The song is in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.2
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
L. & M. LP 102, "Milagros de Navidad", Domingo Claudio y Su Conjunto (Puerto Rico), pink label, long playing 33 1/3 RPM; Lado A track 1: "A Viet Nan… Llanera" (Domingo Claudio). Sleeve notes by Ismael Maisonave. L. & M. Records, Inc., 631 Prospect Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#28 Noel Hernández Contrariedad Album · De rebeldes a revolucionarios · Libre # LD-003 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Noel Hernández, born on 3 June 1945 in Patillas, Puerto Rico, released the song "Contrariedad" (Disco Libre # LD-003), which is about social-economic inequality in Puerto Rican society. He is noted to be influential and one of the earliest Nueva canción artists in Puerto Rico: this was a musical movement in Latin America in the 60s and 70s, inspired by the North American contemporary folk movement, with lyrics looking at social, political, and cultural events.123 The song tells the story of a woman whose son "they killed in Vietnam" . Released on the same label as Roy Brown's Yo protesto (above), owned by the Puerto Rican Socialist Party.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Disco Libre LD-003, "De Rebeldes a Revolucionarios", Noel Hernández, black label; Lado A ("Nacional") track 4: "Contrariedad" (letra y música de Noel). Producción Frank Ferrer Ltd.; musical arrangements by the Colectivo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
A house well equipped from today's profits,
The servant is tired, the family is not at home.
The poor in the slums with their melancholy,
Working all day, never can rest.
A mother is crying, they'll send her a check
But her son won't come back.
They killed him in Vietnam.
Contradictions, what contradictions!
What disillusion in this rotten society.
Contradictions, what contradictions.
The people are going to fight for justice!
Spanish
Una casa equipada con los lucros de hoy en día
La sirvienta está cansada, la familia no está.
El pobre en la barriada con su melancolía
Trabajando todo el día, nunca puede descansar.
Y una madre que lloraba, la pensión la enviarían,
Su hijo no regresaría,
Se lo mataron en Vietnam.
Contrariedad, qué contrariedad,
Qué desilusión en esta podrida sociedad.
Contrariedad, qué contrariedad,
Por una justa el pueblo va a luchar.
Show full lyrics (25 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#29 Daniel Santos & Yomo Toro Tienes que pelear en Viet Nam Single · Lo mismo que a usted / Tienes que pelear en Viet Nam · Spanoramic # 653 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Daniel Santos con Yomo Toro y su Conjunto.
Annotation
The song "Tienes que pelear en Viet Nam" ( "You Have To Fight in Viet Nam" ) (Spanoramic Recordings # 653) is a collaboration between Daniel Santos, discussed above, and Yomo Toro - born on 26 July 1933 in Guánica, Puerto Rico. He died on 30 June 2012 in the Bronx, New York, USA. There is no date on the record. The record label was based in New York, USA, which released Hispanic music. The lyrics mention LBJ and McNamara.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Spanoramic Recordings 653-B, guaracha; "Tienes que pelear en Viet Nam" (D. Santos); Daniel Santos con Yomo Toro y su Conjunto. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#30 Andrés Jiménez Glorioso Viet Nam Album · Seis años de canción · Nuevo Arte # NA-010 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Andres Jimenez, born 3 July 1947 in Orocovis, Puerto Rico released the song "Glorioso Viet Nam" ( "Glorious Viet Nam" ) (Nuevo Arte ‎# NA-010), a very interesting track that celebrated the victory of Ho Chi Minh and North Vietnam over South Vietnam and the USA. Jimenez was drafted to fight in Vietnam and trained at Fort Hood, Texas, USA. He studio at the University of Porto Rico in San Juan, where he started to view the US role in Vietnam, and Porto Rico, as "imperialism". He strongly supported independence for Porto Rico. The song celebrated the renaming of Saigon as Ho Chi Minh City, recalled the nationalists success against the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, and claimed that "all over Indochina they're kicking the Yankee out". At the end of the song, he warned the US that they should not be surprised when Ponce and San Juan (major cities in Porto Rico) rise up to be independent. The song also appeared on the album Viva Puerto Rico Libre (below).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Nuevo Arte NA-010-A, "Seis Años de Canción (antología)", Andrés Jiménez "El Jíbaro", yellow label, estéreo; Lado A track 4: "Glorioso Viet Nam" (R. Hernández y A. Jiménez), taken from "Taoné en Cuba" (Cuba, 1972). A Nuevo Arte Inc. production for the Hermandad de Empleados Exentos No Docentes de la U.P.R.; cover design by Nelson Sambolín, photography by Jochi Melero. [From the record sleeve and labels] Also on the compilation Viva Puerto Rico Libre (Paredon P-1035, 1978).
Lyrics
English
Glorious Vietnam, your war has come to an end (2x)
And your capital, Saigon, is now called Ho Chi Minh. (2x)
You defeated France in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, (2x)
And Danang and Saigon were the Yankees' Waterloo. (2x)
Vietnam has won, and Cambodia too. (2x)
Van Thieu ran away from Saigon and Lon Nol from Pnom Penh. (2x)
Things are getting tougher in Laos and Thailand, (2x)
And all over Indochina they're kicking the Yankees out. (2x)
The Yankees ran like hell, (2x)
Leaving their flunkies to wait for planes. (2x)
They better learn the lesson of how Cambodia and Vietnam fell, (2x)
And friends, don't be surprised when Ponce and San Juan go too! (2x)
Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh!
Spanish
Glorioso Vietnam, tu guerra llegó a su fin (2x)
Y tu capital Saigón hoy se llama Ho Chi Minh. (2x)
Derrotastes a Francia en la batalla de Dien Bien Phu (2x)
Y West Danang y Saigón fue de los yanquis su Waterloo. (2x)
Ya triunfó Vietnam, Cambodia también, (2x)
Van Thieu huyó de Saigón, Lon Nol huyó de Pnom Penh. (2x)
Se complican las cosas allá en Laos Y Tailandia (2x)
Y de toda la Indochina, los yanquis cogen la juyilanga. (2x)
Salieron huyendo en precarias condiciones (2x)
Y dejaron los alcahuetes esperando los aviones. (2x)
Que se apliquen el cuento, cayó Cambodia y Vietnam, (2x)
Amigos, no se sorprendan cuando caigan Ponce y San Juan. (2x)
¡Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh!
Show full lyrics (29 lines) ▾
#31 Taoné Glorioso Viet Nam Album · Taoné típico · Libre # DL-016 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Puerto Rican Jibaro group featuring Andrés Jiménez, and his song "Glorioso Viet Nam" ( "Glorious Viet Nam" ) (Disco Libre #DL-016), discussed above.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Disco Libre, the Puerto Rican Socialist Party label. Disco Libre DL-016, "Taoné Típico", Conjunto Típico Taoné, Hecho en Puerto Rico (Calle Humacao 1006, Santa Rita, Río Piedras); Lado B track 2: "Glorioso Vietnam" (plena) (R. Hernández – A. Jiménez); cream label. Instrumentation: Andrés Jiménez and Flora Santiago (vocals), Ernie Miranda (cuatro, guitar), Fernando Rivera (bass), Modesto Rosado (accordion, organ), Ricky Seda (percussion), Flora and Ricky (güiro, maracas).

Cover design by Elliott (Piru) Ramírez; produced by Ernán Pinelly; recording engineer Yurek; recorded at Estudios EGREM, La Habana, Cuba. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#32 Raul Padilla & Maso Rivera Peleando en Vietnam Single · Peleando en Vietnam / Corriendo el lechón · Luricord # 03 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Raul Padilla con Maso Rivera y su Conjunto.
Notes
Aguinaldo (A side), as printed on the label; the B side is a seis chorreao. Luricord 03, 45 R.P.M., black label with silver print and the "L" record logo. Cara A: "Peleando en Vietnam" (aguinaldo); Cara B: "Corriendo el lechón" (seis chorreao); both "canta: Raul Padilla con Maso Rivera y su Conjunto". No writers or times are printed. [From the record sleeve and labels] Lyrics transcribed and translated by Ramón Vázquez Lamboy.
Lyrics
English
Sad and without joy
The mothers remain
As their sons leave
(Perhaps) never to return
Going to defend
With such zeal
And perhaps they will suffer
Spanish
Triste y sin placer
se quedan las madres
al los hijos marcharse
(tal vez) para no volver
van a defender
con tanto el afán
y tal vez sufrirán
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾

Lyric theme data

Lyric content themes tagged on the songs in this collection — parent themes with their sub-themes (number of records). Click a theme for its definition and all records carrying it.

Show all 15 themes ▾

Key stats

28 songs · 27 releases · 26 artists · 22 labels · 1966–1993 · 4 more list entries have no record page yet and are not counted here

Time period
  • 1970 is the peak year, with three songs.
  • 24 were released during the war years (to 1975); four came after.
  • 18 records are undated.
Artists
  • 26 artists for 28 songs — almost every act appears exactly once. The most represented are Andrés Jiménez and Roy Brown, with two each.
  • One of the artists is still unidentified beyond the record: no line-up, no biography.
Songwriters
  • Songwriter gender is recorded for 19 of the 28 songs: 18 by men and one by women — women wrote 5% of those.
  • By performer: 27 men and one women (recorded for 28).
  • 19 named songwriters. The most often credited is Daniel Santos, with three.
Labels
  • 18 of the 22 labels appear exactly once; Libre has the most, with four.
Locations
  • All 28 are Puerto Rican.
  • New York City accounts for six records, more than any other city; San Juan has five, Caguas three.
Themes