Learn Spanish With Carlos Vives with these 23 Song Recommendations (Full Translations Included!)
“Robarte Un Beso” is a lively vallenato-pop confession where Carlos Vives and Sebastián Yatra muster the courage to turn years of silent affection into one daring request: “let me steal a kiss.” The singers reminisce about old songs, shared laughter and the flutter of mariposas (butterflies) that still spark between them. Each lyric is a playful plea to break the ice, crank up the music and capture that long-awaited moment that goes straight to the soul.
At its heart, the track celebrates the thrill of rediscovered love. By blending Vives’s classic vallenato flavor with Yatra’s youthful charisma, it paints a picture of two people who have always cared for each other yet never spoke up. Now they lean on music, humor and a little bit of cheeky bravado to say what words alone could not: “I want you to fall in love and never leave.” The result is an infectious reminder that sometimes the sweetest romance begins with a stolen kiss and an old song you both adore.
Hop on the saddle and feel the Caribbean breeze - 'La Bicicleta' is a sun-soaked tour of Colombia where Carlos Vives and Shakira invite us to pedal through their memories. With an infectious vallenato rhythm, they celebrate the freedom of a simple bike ride that glides from Santa Marta to Barranquilla, past sparkling beaches and lively plazas, all while hearts beat in sync with the accordion.
The song is both love letter and hometown postcard. The bicycle becomes a symbol of uncomplicated happiness, of living in the present instead of poking at old scars. Through playful verses, Vives praises Shakira’s unique charm and she, in turn, boasts about the coastal landscapes so dazzling that even Piqué might trade Barcelona for Tayrona. Every chorus opens a little note kept close to the heart, repeating that dream and affection have been alive for a long time. In short, 'La Bicicleta' invites you to feel the joy of love, friendship, and cultural pride while cruising to a beat that refuses to slow down.
Colombia, Mi Encanto bursts onto the dance floor like a carnival at midnight, inviting everyone to sway to its joyful rhythm. The lyrics paint a picture of an endless noche de fiesta where friends, families, and strangers unite to celebrate life. We can almost smell the freshly brewed café, feel the warm Caribbean breeze, and see doors flung wide open as miracles reveal themselves on every level of the party. With every shout of ¡Encanto! the song sparks delight, reminding listeners that Colombia’s magic lies in its vibrant music, open-hearted people, and infectious happiness.
Carlos Vives turns this lively night into a heartfelt love letter, repeating “Colombia, te quiero tanto” to underline his unwavering affection for his homeland. More than a simple party anthem, the track is a declaration of hope: good will always triumph over evil when communities gather in song and dance. In short, “Colombia, Mi Encanto” is an irresistible celebration of unity, resilience, and the unmistakable charm that keeps Colombia shining blessing after blessing.
"Cuando Nos Volvamos A Encontrar" is a joyful roadmap to self-improvement and romantic do-overs. Carlos Vives narrates the story of someone who, after messing up, decides to clean up his act—literally: he pays the bills, weeds the garden, quits junk food, cigarettes, stress, and even learns French. Every change is a love-fuelled step toward the long-awaited day he meets his partner again, convinced that her return will feel like springtime bursting into bloom.
The chorus turns that hope into a colorful promise: no more tears on the pillow, no rushed farewells, just dawns worth admiring together and afternoons spent side by side. Backed by Marc Anthony’s vibrant salsa vocals, the song blends Colombian vallenato with tropical pop to celebrate second chances, proving that with enough rhythm, repentance, and roses, love can come back stronger than ever.
Volví A Nacer is Carlos Vives’s joyful declaration that true love can feel like starting life all over again. Throughout the lyrics, he lists the wild, everyday, and even impossible things he would gladly do just to protect the relationship: working from sunrise to sunset, climbing the Himalayas, boxing in the Olympics, or even becoming her personal driver. Each promise is a playful way of saying there is no limit to what I would do for you.
Behind the fun exaggerations lies a tender core. Vives admits that this love is his “respiración” ‑ the very breath that keeps him alive ‑ and he dreams of sealing it forever by getting married, leaving his past behind, and “morir en tus brazos” in sweet surrender. If she ever left, his heart would need ironing out once more, and even the song itself would turn sad. In short, the track is a vibrant vallenato-pop anthem celebrating commitment, rebirth, and the exhilarating power of love.
Feel the sun, the sand, and a thousand dancing feet! “Como Le Gusta A Tu Cuerpo” is a jubilant crossover where Colombian legend Carlos Vives joins Brazilian star Michel Teló to paint a musical postcard of a perfect night. In his dream, Vives is on the beach with someone whose divine body and sparkling eyes light up the scene. The heat of the sun, the sway of her hips, and the pulse of vallenato accordions mix with Teló’s Brazilian flair, turning the fantasy into a carnival of rhythm. Every line celebrates how music, dance, and love melt together, urging everyone around to sing along.
The chorus—“Como le gusta a tu cuerpo, como la canta mi pueblo”—is both a flirty compliment and a shout-out to the unifying power of folk traditions. It reminds us that when passion and melody meet, hearts race, worries disappear, and entire towns can’t help but join the party. Grab your imaginary surfboard, because this song invites you to dive into pure tropical joy!
La Tierra Del Olvido feels like a love letter written with sunlight, ocean tides, and mountain breezes. Carlos Vives and his all-star Colombian friends compare their beloved to nature’s most comforting sights: the moon lighting a path, the sun chasing away cold, the sea longing for the river. Every line says, “You hold the key to my heart; without your love, I would die.” Whether the “you” is a treasured person or the very soil of Colombia, the emotion is the same - an unbreakable bond fueled by desire, hope, and awe.
When joropo strings, Pacific marimbas, and Vallenato accordions join forces, the song turns into a joyful parade across the country’s map. Verses shout out the plains, the Amazon, La Guajira, and every mountain in between, reminding listeners that Colombia grows stronger when its diverse voices sing together. In the end, La Tierra Del Olvido is both a passionate serenade and a proud anthem, urging us never to forget the place - or the people - that feel like home.
“Canción Bonita” is a sun-soaked love letter to both a special someone and the magical streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carlos Vives opens his well-worn notebook and finds it bursting with songs, dates, little hearts, and one unforgettable address on calle San Sebastián. Those scribbles remind him that, no matter how far he travels—from Alaska to Buenos Aires or London to New York—his heart keeps returning to the same person and the same island rhythm. The chorus is a playful promise: if he has to choose, he’ll always choose you; if he ever sets foot in San Juan again, he’ll be the first to hit the dance floor with you in his arms.
Ricky Martin joins in to crank up the Caribbean spirit, turning the track into a bilingual celebration of passionate devotion, catchy melodies, and irresistible salsa-pop beats. Together they declare that forgetting this love is simply impossible, because the “canción bonita” in that little notebook was written for one voice and one smile alone. The result is a feel-good anthem that invites listeners to dance, sing, and dream of tropical nights where music and romance never end.
La Gota Fría is a classic vallenato tale of friendly rivalry and musical bravado. Carlos Vives retells the legendary face-off between two celebrated accordionists—Emiliano Zuleta (the narrator) and Lorenzo “Moralito” Morales—who meet in the tiny Colombian town of Urumita. When Moralito slips away at dawn to avoid a jam session, Zuleta fires back with playful taunts, boasting that no one can “correct” his melodies and daring his opponent to settle things once and for all. The threat of being carried off the stage, “me lleva él o me lo llevo yo,” fuels the spirited challenge, while the phrase la gota fría (“the cold sweat”) hints at the nerves Moralito will feel when the showdown begins.
Underneath the witty insults and regional pride, the song celebrates the heart of Colombian culture: spontaneous parrandas (parties), skilled accordion battles, and the joy of storytelling through music. Vives’s vibrant live performance turns this 1930s folkloric duel into an infectious anthem that invites listeners to dance, laugh, and discover the rich tradition of vallenato. So get ready—before the cold sweat hits, the party is already in full swing!
“No Te Vayas [Remix]” is a sun-soaked love anthem where Carlos Vives and Manuel Turizo beg a special someone to stay right here. From the first playful “nananai,” the singers paint love as something written in the stars: two souls that finally find each other and should never let go. Vives compares his partner’s life to a beautiful flower and imagines himself as a joyful hummingbird fluttering around her, while Turizo confesses that he once swore he would never fall in love…but now his heart races like never before.
The chorus’s constant plea, “no te vayas,” is backed by vivid Caribbean scenes: rain that freshens the earth, moonlit dances on the beach, spontaneous trips for pizza, and dreams of a seaside house and a wedding beside the old walls of Cartagena. It is a feel-good celebration of destiny, romance, and the everyday moments that make love unforgettable, all wrapped in the tropical rhythms that have made Vives a Colombian icon.
Imagine a sunrise over the Colombian coast, a warm breeze carrying samba-tinged vallenato rhythms, and Carlos Vives inviting everyone to feel the beat of life. Corazón Profundo is his love letter to a person whose sweetness, faith, and fiery passion light up the world. Each line praises a heart that mirrors the divine, a spirit that wakes up every morning ready to dream bigger and spread kindness as wide as the ocean.
At its core, the song celebrates unstoppable generosity. Vives compares the beloved’s heart to the sea: always giving, always moving, never losing hope. No matter how far it travels or how rough the waves become, that heart keeps starting over, igniting joy "en un segundo." In this live version from Bogotá’s iconic El Campín stadium, you can almost feel thousands of hearts thumping in unison, reminding you that deep inside everyone lies a boundless sea of love ready to make the world brighter.
From the first accordion notes, “Las Mujeres” plunges us into a whirlwind of playful heartbreak. Carlos Vives and Juanes trade verses like two buddies on a barstool, sighing ¡qué vaina las mujeres! as they list the damage: empty pockets, wounded pride, and friends who simply do not understand. Every chorus is a cheeky reminder that lost love can sting even more than an empty wallet.
Still, beneath the good-natured grumbling lies true vallenato optimism. The singers swear they will keep searching for a woman who cares about heart, not cash, proving that sincere affection is still out there if you keep dancing. The track turns romantic misfortune into a sing-along celebration of laughter, resilience, and the unbreakable hope of finding real love.
La Bicicleta [Remix] is a joyful love postcard on two wheels. Carlos Vives, Shakira and Maluma invite the listener to hop on a bike, leave worries behind and cruise the Caribbean coast together. The bicycle becomes a symbol of simple, uncomplicated romance: no fancy cars, no explanations, just slow kisses, handwritten notes and a heart that has been “beating for you” for a long time. Over a playful mix of vallenato accordion and urban beats, the singers trade flirtatious lines, promising to keep their adventure private while savoring every moment of the ride.
At the same time, the song is a vibrant shout-out to Colombia. Place names like Santa Marta, Barranquilla and the Tayrona National Park flash by like scenic landmarks on the route, celebrating local culture and landscapes that could make even Barcelona hard to leave. With its catchy chorus, regional references and easygoing vibe, La Bicicleta [Remix] captures the thrill of young love and the pride of showing someone special all the beauty of your hometown—powered only by pedals, rhythm and a smile.
“Fruta Fresca” is Carlos Vives’s joyful love letter to a kiss so sweet it tastes like fresh fruit. In lively vallenato-pop fashion, he compares his beloved’s lips to tropical flavors that invade his mind, lift him to the sky, then gently bring him back to earth. Whenever worries creep in, the memory of that kiss is his instant remedy, sending him into a delicious spell of happiness and just a touch of playful madness.
But Vives doesn’t want to keep this sweetness a secret — he wants the whole planet to hear it on the radio, read it in the papers, even see it written on the moon. Repeating “sí, sí, sí”, he declares that his love is “tan profundo” — so deep — and calls her “mi consentida”, the special one who brightens his life, calms his anger, and dazzles every party. It’s an infectious celebration of romance, Caribbean sabor, and the simple magic of a kiss that tastes like the freshest fruit you’ve ever bitten into.
El Mar De Sus Ojos paints love as an endless ocean. Carlos Vives sings about being completely captivated by a woman whose glance becomes deep water, whose lips feel like a safe harbor, and whose smile is the warm breeze that keeps his sailboat moving. Every line is overflowing with coastal imagery: he wants to anchor between her red lips, navigate through her eyes, and naufragate (shipwreck) joyfully in the tide of her affection. His passion sounds adventurous, almost supernatural, as if each kiss lets him die and be reborn.
ChocQuibTown jumps in to balance the fantasy with playful confidence. Goyo reminds us that sensuality comes with self-respect: they will dance and travel the world together, but only if both partners treat each other as equals. In the end, the song celebrates a vibrant, mutual attraction where Caribbean rhythms, flirtation, and admiration mix like sun, surf, and saltwater—creating a love story as boundless and rhythmic as the sea itself.
Imagine catching such a strong “buzz” of love that you feel like you’re living on the moon and flying without wings. That is the vibe of “Nota de Amor,” a joyful collaboration where Colombian icon Carlos Vives and Puerto Rican superstar Daddy Yankee shout from the rooftops how wildly, irresistibly in love they are. Throughout the song they compare their feelings to an adicción, a sweet high that no one can take away, healed by every kiss and powered by tropical rhythms that invite you to dance.
Both singers paint vivid pictures of devotion: buying rings, filling halls with yellow lingerie, signing imaginary love contracts, and valuing a single vallenato dance over diamonds. The chorus keeps circling back to the same idea – they can’t shake this love buzz, and frankly, they don’t want to. “Nota de Amor” is a musical postcard that says, When love feels this good, the whole world turns into a party, and every beat of the song is an excuse to celebrate the one who makes you happiest.
**“Qué Diera” sweeps us into the warm, nostalgic heart of Colombia, where Carlos Vives writes a musical ‘letter’ to a distant love. Over lilting vallenato rhythms he lists the little details of life back home – torrential night-time rains, the moon sulking behind clouds, affectionate greetings from Rafa, Aunt Consuelo and the ever-melancholic Inocencia. Every memory is a reminder of the one who left, and the chorus bursts with longing: “Qué diera por mirarte otra vez” – “What I’d give to see you again.” Old songs spin on the radio, and each verse feels like digging through a box of keepsakes that still smell of yesterday’s kisses.
Yet Vives sprinkles hope amid the homesickness. A playful cameo of “Gabito” (Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez) hints at the magic-realism woven into everyday Caribbean life, and the singer ultimately believes that true love circles back in time. The lesson: distance may scatter lovers across the “land of forgetting,” but melody, memory and unwavering affection keep them forever intertwined.
Cumbiana feels like a dreamy postcard that Carlos Vives sends from the Colombian Caribbean. While he tastes red berries, listens to distant songs and waits for the right words — Te quiero, te amo, te espero — he turns the marshlands where cumbia was born into a beautiful woman named Cumbiana. The singer wants to be the leading man in her story, whispering love in her ear and inviting her to share her joys and sorrows. Every image is vibrant: crystal zeppelins in the sky, oceans filled with fish, ripened gooseberries ready to pick. All of it paints the warm, colorful landscape of Colombia’s northern coast and the irresistible pull of its music.
Beyond romance, the song is a heartfelt promise to heal a wounded homeland. Vives asks Cumbiana if forgetting stole her mornings or if she cried from tenderness and rage, then vows to move mountains so both lover and country can start anew. He dreams of a small house with a flag, a forest, a dog and a wooden rocking chair — a simple life where love of person and love of land blend into one. By the final lines, he proclaims that greed and fear will pass, the waters will return, and the land will be theirs again. In short, “Cumbiana” is a love letter and a hopeful anthem wrapped in the rhythms that gave birth to cumbia itself.
Imagine racing through the night, heart pounding, because the only thing on your mind is sharing one magical dance. That is the heartbeat of “Bailar Contigo.” In this song, Carlos Vives paints a cinematic scene: the singer finishes work late, pictures his partner in a dazzling cocktail dress, and speeds through the city lights. Every traffic light feels like an eternity because each second brings him closer to the moment when music starts, the orchestra tunes up, and happiness wraps around him. His beloved is not just a date; she is the light on his path, the promise of paradise, and the key to his destiny.
The dance floor becomes their little universe. As soon as they step inside, worries melt away, and every spin or close embrace confirms that they are meant to be. The song celebrates anticipation, devotion, and the pure joy of dancing with someone who makes life feel complete. "Bailar Contigo" reminds us that sometimes paradise is as simple as holding hands, letting the music guide you, and realizing that true happiness can be found in a shared rhythm.
Imagine stumbling upon an old snapshot tucked inside a paper heart: that simple discovery catapults Carlos Vives into a bittersweet time-travel adventure. In La Foto De Los Dos, the Colombian singer revisits a love so vivid it still echoes in vinyl crackles and small-town train stations. Each lyric is a postcard from the past, where kisses flowed “como el agua” and their shared home glowed with hope. The photo becomes a portal, unleashing nostalgia’s grip and the friendly “ghosts” of a romance that once knew zero distance.
Yet the song is not only about memories; it is a heartfelt wish to hit “rewind.” Vives dreams of walking the camino viejo back to his pueblo, retracing every step, and starting fresh by his loved one’s side. The chorus’s repeated plea — “empezar de nuevo” — turns regret into resolve, reminding us that love, like the wind, can circle back home. Packed with Colombian warmth and poetic imagery, this track invites listeners to feel both the ache of yesterday and the optimism of second chances.
Carlos Vives and Wisin turn up the heat in Si Me Das Tu Amor, a flirtatious anthem where love is compared to the most delicious meal on Earth. Vives promises that with just one kiss he can brave deserts, caves, and any hardship, while Wisin spices things up with energetic reggaeton lines about kisses that taste like vanilla, butter, and even cheese. The song overflows with colorful food imagery to show that affection is as vital and satisfying as a favorite dish, and it celebrates how the smallest gesture—un beso—can fuel unbeatable confidence and joy.
At its core, the track is an invitation: “solo déjate querer” (just let yourself be loved). By blending Vives’ signature Colombian folk pop with Wisin’s urban swagger, the song reminds us that love feeds the soul, powers adventure, and turns everyday moments into a vibrant feast. Grab a dance partner, imagine those sweet-flavored kisses, and feel how a single spark of love can make you believe you can “comerte el mundo entero!”
Carlos Vives' "Déjame Entrar" is a vibrant love plea wrapped in the colors of Colombia. Over a joyful vallenato-pop groove, the singer begs his beloved to let him enter her gaze so he can reach her soul. Each verse paints sensual, earthy images: the scent of fresh grass in her hair, soil on her fingers, dawn perfumed by her body. Together they portray a woman who is as natural and genuine as the land itself. Vives is not just looking for a kiss; he wants to explore her silence, her memories, and the dreams she nurtures, making sure she is the very girl who has always danced in his imagination.
The repeating chorus works like a rhythmic heartbeat: “Déjame entrar en tu mirada.” It captures the universal desire for intimacy, asking for complete emotional and physical openness. He longs to be her starting point and destination, to be born from her calm, and even to die within her kisses. The song turns love into a journey of mutual vulnerability where two identities merge, greeting the sunrise together with warmth and hope. The result is a celebration of passionate connection that feels both personal and proudly rooted in Colombian culture.
Eso Es Mondar is a joyful crash course in Caribbean Colombian slang. Carlos Vives, joined by DJ Marimonda and El Elvis Cienaguero, turns one mischievous word — mondar (or la mondá) — into the star of the show. In the dictionary it simply means to peel a fruit, yet on the streets of Barranquilla it can express almost anything: surprise, frustration, admiration, even a rallying cry during Carnival. With rapid-fire verses, playful shout-outs to local legends, and nods to the beloved Junior soccer team, the song celebrates how language in the Colombian coast is alive, inventive, and irresistibly musical.
Beyond the linguistic lesson, the track is a pep-talk wrapped in cumbia and porro rhythms. When life’s motor refuses to start, when politicians disappoint, or when the neighbor will not stop making noise, the chorus advises: sigue pa’lante y dile que eso es mondá — keep moving forward and let the magic word release the stress. By reclaiming a “naughty” term and turning it into a badge of resilience, Vives invites listeners to laugh, dance, and shout together. The result is a sonic Carnival where wit, community spirit, and linguistic pride peel away the gloom, leaving nothing but rhythm and joy. ¡Que viva el Carnaval! ¡Y que viva la mondá!