Anhelo Lyrics in English by Adolescent's Orquesta
Anhelo is a powerful and poetic verb that means 'to long for' or 'to yearn for'. It expresses a much deeper and more intense desire than the more common word 'querer' (to want).
In this passionate salsa song, which is also titled "Anhelo", the singer uses the word to describe his desperate longing to kiss the one he loves. Learning 'anhelo' adds a beautiful layer of emotional depth to your Spanish vocabulary.
Venezuelan salsa group Adolescent's Orquesta puts pure romantic obsession on full blast in "Anhelo" (which translates to "Longing" or "Desire"). The singer does not hold anything back here. He compares his crush's lips to "plumas de un canario" (feathers of a canary) and stares up at heaven asking, "¿Por qué Dios te hizo tan bella?" (Why did God make you so beautiful?). He is so completely infatuated that he admits he would do "hasta lo inadmisible" (even the inadmissible or unacceptable) just to be with her.
What makes the Spanish here fun for learners are the vivid color descriptions. Instead of just saying she has black hair, he calls it "azabache" (jet-black, referring to the dark gemstone). He even crowns her the "púrpura de mi alma" (purple of my soul) and "agua de mi vida" (water of my life). It is dramatic, super poetic salsa all about being head over heels and begging, "tú no me niegues tu amor" (do not deny me your love).
