La Vida es un Carnaval

By Celia Cruz 

Arranged by Joaquin Villazuela 

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” (“Life Is A Carnaval”) is the signature song of the Cuban recording artist, Celia Cruz (B. 1925-D.2003), who was famous for recording Latin songs in the style of salsa, guaracha, son, bolero, and rumba. The song became internationally famous across all of Latin America and within audiences in the United States with Latin roots. 

The song’s musical and percussive arrangement is alluring because its rhythm invites the audience into the raucous joy and spirit of a Carnival. By contract , as seen in the lyrics below, are quite didactic and philosophical-unashamedly calling for each of us to lift our spirits.  More importantly, the composition has been popular with Latino audiences as a song that speaks to a community’s sentiments, its sense of rhythm, and its perseverance. 

“Anyone who thinks that life is not equally fair,

Should come to know that it isn’t so-

life’s a beautiful thing, and it has to be lived!

Those who fell alone in a bad situation

Must come to know that in life, no one is alone,

There is always someone!

So, there’s no need to cry, because life is a carnival

And it’s more beautiful if we sing while living

So, there’s no need to cry, because life is a carnival

And sorrows will disappear while singing!