Song Spotlight: “El Sol Que Tú Eres”

Song Spotlight: El Sol Que Tú Eres | Soundscapingsource.com
  • Mood: Thoughtful
  • Themes: The Sun, Heritage
  • Tempo: Slow, relaxed
  • Genre/Style: Ballad

The fall season brings with it cooler weather. During the changing of the leaves the wind can bring a chill that contrasts the memories of warm summer weather. This song brings warmth back through music while describing the kind light of the sun.

Linda Ronstadt’s song “El Sol Que Tú Eres” comes from the album Canciones De Mi Padre, which she recorded to honor her Hispanic heritage. These canciones (songs) came from Sonora, Mexico, and were a big part of Ronstadt’s family tradition and musical roots.

The title Canciones De Mi Padre refers to a booklet that the University of Arizona published in 1946 for Ronstadt’s aunt, Luisa Espinel, who had been an international singer in the 1920s. Ronstadt included her favorite songs from this booklet on the album.

This collection of tunes has a true sentimental nature as Ronstadt recalls how a frequent guest to the Ronstadt home, Eduardo “Lalo” Guerrero, father of Chicano music, would often serenade her as a child with these songs.

Here are some of the lyrics to “El Sol Que Tú Eres:”

Sol redondo y colorado
Como una rueda de cobre
De diario me estás mirando
De dario me miras pobre

English translation:

Sun, round and red
Like a copper wheel
Daily you are looking at me
Daily you see me poor

As with all the songs we highlight here, this song can go in many directions, depending on the folks you are sharing it with. This song could be part of a collection of songs from different countries, or of songs based on the sun. It can also be used as a transition into a reminiscence of familial heritage, or create an opportunity for visual engagement with meaningful photos or objects from their family or flags.

Try This:

  • Include in a Heritage Theme – Use this song to celebrate the individuals in your group. Encourage the group to reminisce about their favorite family memories by combining this tune with other heritage rich tunes. Other complementary songs may include “Shosholoza (South African)”, “Muss I Denn (German)” and “America The Beautiful.” Be sure to find songs related to your group members’ specific heritages.
  • Singing in Translation: Print or display the lyrics and translation to read along.
  • Mark a Map: Gather pins and a map. Mark all the places the members in your group have familial ties to, or that match up with the songs you share from various cultures.
  • Movement with Scarves: You can do expressive movement to this song, with additional flare added with a scarf.

What is your heritage? What other Linda Ronstadt songs do you enjoy? Please leave your comments below!

This post is part of an occasional series on special songs to share with your clients and loved ones. For more song spotlights, click here.

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