Friday Canción: Ojalá que Llueva Café by Juan Luis Guerra

It’s almost the weekend.

How about some music to get your feet tapping?  I’ve got a Friday Song for you…

La canción de viernes: Ojalá que Llueva Café by Juan Luis Guerra

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZOLOggfWp0&w=560&h=315]

This well-known song by Juan Luis Guerra showcases the Dominican Republic’s upbeat merengue and lilting bachata, for which Guerra’s music is praised.  The lyrics of the song are a beautiful prayer for a reprieve from poverty.  God willing, the poor will have, at least, what they need to stave off hunger, even if only coffee to fill their bellies.

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Spanish Class

On a language note, this song is often used in intermediate classes to showcase the subjunctive, as influenced by the the use of the wishful “ojalá“.

The subjunctive mood is used to express doubt.  In this context, the singer is expressing his hope/ his prayer that his people will be fed.  Unfortunately, it is not a certainty.

Conjugation of llover (to rain) in the present tense.  Note the stem change from ‘o’ to ‘ue’

  • yo        lluevo
  • tú         llueves
  • él / Ud. llueve
  • nosotros          llovemos
  • vosotros          llovéis
  • ellos / Uds.      llueven

Conjugation of llover in the subjunctive

  • yo        llueva
  • tú         lluevas
  • él / Ud. llueva
  • nosotros          llovamos
  • vosotros          llováis
  • ellos / Uds.      lluevan

 

The subjunctive is a hefty lesson on its own with several rules and exceptions.  It’s the stuff of lengthy discussions. But that’s a lesson for another time!

What music are you listening to this Friday?

 

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17 Comments

  1. Lana Cole June 1, 2018 at 2:47 pm

    😎Ryan was listening to something I can’t even repeat this morning.. 🤣 his music interests never matured past puberty! And I’ve been on an audio book kick, no music for me lately. 🤓 But I am excited for an outdoor concert we’re going to in 2 weeks.. Michael Franti. 🎶 Happy Friday to YOU!☀️

    Reply
    1. K D June 13, 2018 at 3:52 pm

      Hahaha… Well… if you heard the english translations of some of the popular Spanish music right now… LOL
      I hope you enjoy the concert… this weekend now?

      This message was also in my spam! WP!!!

      Reply
      1. Lana Cole June 13, 2018 at 4:05 pm

        Hahaha… concert is next weekend! One more week to go!

      2. K D June 13, 2018 at 10:42 pm

        Have fun!

      3. Lana Cole June 13, 2018 at 11:22 pm

        Thank you!😎

      4. Lana Cole June 14, 2018 at 7:31 am

        Thank you!☀️

  2. Lana Cole June 1, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    I love the sound of this music! ☀️

    Reply
    1. K D June 2, 2018 at 11:42 am

      Me too. I only wish I didn’t have two left feet… then I could dance to it better too! Lol

      Reply
      1. Lana Cole June 2, 2018 at 11:42 am

        That’s me too! I’m not good at dancing, but I still try to sometimes… 😊

  3. Globetrotting Grandpa June 1, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    I first heard this song on a Putumayo Record back in the 90’s. It always makes me feel good listening to it, even with my rusty Spanish comprehension skills.

    Reply
    1. K D June 2, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Haha. A friend gave me a Putumayo collection, some years ago. I may have to go pull it out!

      Reply
    1. K D June 2, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Glad you liked 🙂

      Reply
  4. ambroseandelsie June 3, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    I love how upbeat this song is. It makes me want to sing along. 😀

    Reply
    1. K D June 3, 2018 at 8:38 pm

      Yup. Makes me want to sing and dance every time. Really wish I could do the dance better! Lol

      Reply
  5. Diana Tyler (Eccentric Muse) June 7, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    I hope it’ll rain coffee every day! Thanks for sharing this delightful song!

    Reply
    1. K D June 7, 2018 at 9:56 pm

      It’s a favourite of mine… although I often forget about it 🙈

      Reply

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