La Llorona Lyrics: Sing Along With Alanna Ubach & Antonio Sol

Hey everyone! Ever get a song stuck in your head that just… stays there? Well, if you've seen Disney Pixar's Coco, chances are you've experienced that with "La Llorona." It's a powerful and haunting song, brought to life beautifully in the film. Today, we're diving deep into the lyrics, exploring the meaning behind them, and of course, singing along with the amazing Alanna Ubach (who voices Mamá Imelda) and Antonio Sol. Ready to get those vocal cords warmed up, guys? Let's do it!

Unpacking the Heartbreak: La Llorona's Story

First things first, let's talk about the story behind "La Llorona." It's not just a song; it's a legend, a folktale that has been passed down through generations in Latin American cultures. The story tells of a woman, usually named María, who is heartbroken over the loss of her children. The details vary, but the core theme remains the same: a mother's grief and lament. In most versions, she either drowns her children or they are taken from her, and she is doomed to wander, crying and searching for them for all eternity. It's a chilling tale, a reminder of the depth of maternal love and the pain of loss. Coco uses this legend brilliantly, weaving it into the narrative of family, memory, and the importance of remembering those who have passed on. The song itself is a powerful expression of this grief, a cry from the heart that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced loss, whether it's the loss of a loved one or a separation from family.

Alanna Ubach's rendition, alongside Antonio Sol's, is particularly poignant. Her voice carries the weight of centuries of sorrow and the depth of maternal love. The song isn't just a performance; it's a feeling, an experience. She masterfully captures the emotion, making the listener feel the raw pain and desperate longing. The melody is simple, but the emotions are complex and the song's simplicity allows the pain to shine. The choice to include "La Llorona" in Coco was a stroke of genius. It adds a layer of cultural richness and emotional depth that elevates the film. The song serves as a bridge, connecting the living with the departed, the past with the present. It reminds us that even in death, love and memory endure. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring nature of human emotions. The lyrics themselves, though translated and adapted for the film, stay true to the spirit of the legend. They reflect the woman's anguish and her endless search. This makes it a perfect example of how a cultural touchstone can be interwoven into a modern narrative, creating something beautiful and heartbreaking. The way the song is used in the film is masterful, heightening the emotional impact of key scenes. It’s not just background music; it’s an active participant, driving the story forward and shaping the audience's understanding of the characters' feelings. It's a testament to the power of music to communicate complex emotions and connect us to our shared humanity.

The Lyrics and Their Meaning: A Deep Dive

Alright, let's get into the lyrics themselves, shall we? Here's a breakdown of the La Llorona lyrics as sung by Alanna Ubach and Antonio Sol in Coco, followed by a translation and explanation, so you guys can fully grasp the emotional depth of the song.

• Lyrics (Spanish): Ay, de mí, llorona, Llorona, llévame al río. Tápame con tu manto, Porque me muero de frío.

• Translation: Oh, woe is me, weeping woman, Weeping woman, take me to the river. Cover me with your mantle, Because I am dying of cold.

• Explanation: This opening is a direct address to La Llorona, the weeping woman. The speaker is expressing their deep sorrow and despair, calling out to her for solace or perhaps even an end to their suffering. The request to be taken to the river is a poignant plea, possibly for death or release from pain. The request to be covered with her mantle highlights the singer’s vulnerability. The speaker is cold, both physically and emotionally, and seeks comfort. This opening sets the stage for the rest of the song, establishing a mood of intense sadness and longing. It’s an immediate invitation to empathy, drawing the listener into the singer's pain. This verse does more than just describe the speaker’s feelings; it also sets the scene, creating a sense of atmosphere. The mention of the river and the cold suggests a desolate place, a physical manifestation of the speaker’s emotional state. The use of “Ay de mí” is a traditional expression of lament, emphasizing the depth of the speaker's grief. This phrase is a common motif in folk songs, so it is a perfect example of what the legend conveys.

• Lyrics (Spanish): Ay, de mí, llorona, Llorona, llévame al río. Cúbreme con tu manto, Porque ya me voy muriendo.

• Translation: Oh, woe is me, weeping woman, Weeping woman, take me to the river. Cover me with your mantle, Because I am already dying.

• Explanation: This verse repeats the initial plea, reinforcing the speaker's desperate state. The change in the last line, “Because I am already dying,” suggests the singer is closer to death. It conveys a sense of urgency and finality. It builds on the sorrow established in the first verse, amplifying the emotional impact. The repetition of the verses can be a way to express feelings of hopelessness. The repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of grief and the feeling of being trapped in a loop of sorrow. This is also effective when used in musical performances, because it can create a haunting effect, drawing the audience in further into the speaker’s emotional world. It serves to reinforce the listener’s understanding of the speaker’s dire situation. The urgency in the lyrics adds to the intensity of the scene in Coco, making it that much more powerful. The singer is asking La Llorona to end their suffering. The lyrics showcase how universal grief is, and how easily a tragedy can cause pain to a family.

• Lyrics (Spanish): Las piedras del camino, Ya no las puedo pisar. Ay, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona, llévame ya.

• Translation: The stones of the path, I can no longer tread. Oh, Weeping Woman, Weeping Woman, Weeping Woman, take me now.

• Explanation: This verse shifts the focus to the physical toll of the speaker's sorrow. The stones of the path represent the challenges and hardships of life. The speaker is too weary to continue, highlighting the depth of their despair. The plea to “take me now” is a desperate cry for release, intensifying the sense of hopelessness. It is here that we are made aware that the singer can no longer keep fighting. It emphasizes the weight of the speaker’s burden. It suggests a sense of exhaustion, both physical and emotional. The repetition of “Llorona” adds to the rhythmic quality of the song, making it even more memorable. It's a direct and forceful appeal, adding to the intensity of the song. The imagery of the path and the stones is very vivid, creating a strong visual of the speaker’s struggle. The lyrics create an even more memorable experience.

• Lyrics (Spanish): Ay, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona de azul celeste. Y aunque la vida me cueste, Llorona, no dejaré de quererte.

• Translation: Oh, Weeping Woman, Weeping Woman, Weeping Woman of blue sky. And though life may cost me, Weeping Woman, I will not stop loving you.

• Explanation: This final verse brings a shift in emotion. The speaker’s sadness becomes a symbol of love. Despite their pain, they vow to continue loving. It suggests a powerful resilience of the human heart, even in the face of immense suffering. It's a testament to the enduring power of love and memory. The phrase “Weeping Woman of blue sky” is a beautiful and poignant image, representing hope amid despair. The contrast between pain and love creates a bittersweet ending. The commitment of love is even stronger than pain, showcasing how strong familial connections can be. The final verse emphasizes that love is stronger than death or sorrow. It emphasizes the film’s central theme of remembering and honoring loved ones.

Sing Along! Karaoke and Practice

Want to sing along like a pro? You can find karaoke versions of "La Llorona" online, making it easier to practice the song. Karaoke versions are great because they allow you to focus on the vocals and the music without being distracted. You can easily search for a version that features Alanna Ubach's vocals or a similar rendition. Websites like YouTube and karaoke platforms offer numerous options. Many of these resources also provide the lyrics on screen, which is super helpful when you are learning the words and the pronunciation, especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish. Another great option is to find a sing-along video. These types of videos often include the lyrics displayed on the screen, along with the original music from the film. This makes it easier to follow along and immerse yourself in the song. Practicing this song can be a beautiful way to connect with the culture and the emotions of the film. Singing along can be a cathartic experience, especially if you have ever gone through a loss. The song itself is very emotionally charged, and it provides an outlet to express your own feelings. Remember, singing is all about having fun and expressing yourself, so don’t be afraid to let loose and sing your heart out! You can easily adjust the key to suit your vocal range. If you find the song too high or too low, adjusting the key can make it easier and more enjoyable to sing. The goal is to connect with the emotions of the song. Take your time, focus on the emotion behind the lyrics, and let it flow. After you practice for a bit, try recording yourself singing. This is a great way to see your progress and identify areas where you can improve. You can also share your recordings with friends and family. This allows you to connect more with other people who share a passion for the song and the film.

The Power of Music and Cultural Significance

"La Llorona" is more than just a song; it's a testament to the power of music to connect us to our emotions, our cultures, and to each other. It’s an example of how a cultural touchstone can be interwoven into a modern narrative, creating something both beautiful and heartbreaking. The song’s placement in Coco showcases how music can be a powerful tool to tell stories and to connect people. The song transcends the boundaries of language and culture. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to communicate complex emotions and connect us to our shared humanity. This helps connect to how powerful music is. By exploring the lyrics, the meaning, and the cultural significance of "La Llorona," you not only gain a deeper appreciation for Coco but also for the rich cultural tapestry of which it is a part. Coco is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, and the inclusion of "La Llorona" is a powerful symbol of the film’s cultural richness. It serves as a bridge, connecting the living with the departed, the past with the present. It reminds us that even in death, love and memory endure. The success of the song is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring nature of human emotions. The song's emotional impact is so powerful that it creates a long lasting impression. The cultural context also helps to create a deeper connection to the material. The film is a reminder of the importance of family, memory, and the enduring power of love. The song is a powerful exploration of these themes, making it one of the most memorable parts of the film.

Conclusion: Embrace the Emotion!

So there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the lyrics of La Llorona, its meaning, and its impact on Coco. Hopefully, this has given you a greater appreciation for the song and the movie. Now, go forth, sing along, and let those emotions flow! Don't be shy about belting it out, even if you don't speak Spanish perfectly. The key is to feel the song and connect with the story. Keep on singing, and keep the memory of those you love alive! And always remember the importance of family and the beauty of remembering. Now go enjoy the music! You got this!