La Negra Tiene Tumbao Lyrics in English Celia Cruz

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Below, I translated the lyrics of the song La Negra Tiene Tumbao by Celia Cruz from Spanish to English.

These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!

Intro

That little black girl who's walking

That little black girl has her swagger

And when people are looking at her

She dances from the side

Also tightly

Verse 1

The black girl has swagger

Sugar, sugar!

And she doesn't walk from the side

If you want to go straight

Better to walk straight ahead

So there are no stumbles

And come here all wins

If you want to arrive first

Better to run slowly

Enjoy life well

Even if taking precautions

Sugar!

Chorus 1

The black girl has swagger

She has swagger, she has swagger

And she doesn't walk from the side

The black girl has swagger

She never walks from the side

She has swagger

Until I whistle, she doesn't walk from the side

She has swagger

Verse 2

When a person dies

It's said that she was so good

Or: One says that they were so good

So good when she was living

Or: So good when they were living

Like night and day

Let them come and tell me the truth

I can't stand any more lies

I enjoy life well

Even if taking precautions

Sugar!

Chorus 2

The black girl has swagger

And she doesn't walk from the side

The black girl has swagger

She never walks from the side

Verse 3

Walk straight, don't walk from the side

The black girl has swagger

Walk straight, don't walk from the side

Goddess of the night, sweet like honey

I've never found another like her

Come here so we can share

Because you're the beautiful black girl who makes me happy

I don't want another

Without you, I'll die

I don't want another

Without you, I'll die

Loving you will always be my vocation

She has swagger

Walk straight, don't walk from the side

Goddess of the night, sweet like honey

I've never found another like her

And that little black girl

She has swagger

Everyone follows her

Because of her walk

This little black girl

She has swagger

Everyone follows her

Because of her walk

Chorus 3

The black girl has swagger

And she doesn't walk from the side

That little black girl who's walking

That little black girl has her swagger

And when people are looking at her

She dances from the side

Also tight, tight, tight

Sugar!

The black girl has swagger

And she doesn't walk from the side

She has swagger, she has swagger

She never walks from the side

The black girl has swagger

And she doesn't walk from the side

The black girl has swagger

She never walks from the side

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Lyrics © DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

FERNANDO OSORIO, SERGIO GEORGE

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SONG MEANING

La Negra Tiene Tumbao is Celia Cruz’s jubilant salute to a confident Afro-Latina queen whose every step oozes irresistible rhythm. Tumbao means swagger, swing, that special groove that turns an ordinary walk into a mini-dance. Crowds can’t help watching her glide straight ahead — never “de la’o” (sideways) — as Celia peppers the beat with her famous ¡Azúcar! and invites us to join the carnival of self-love.

Under the tropical horns and congas sits a feel-good philosophy: move forward with purpose, enjoy the ride, and don’t rush. Celia reminds us that life tastes sweeter when we balance ambition with savoring each moment, speak truth instead of empty praise, and celebrate ourselves while we’re still here. In short, walk tall, keep your tumbao, and let the world dance in your wake.

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Celia Cruz La Negra Tiene Tumbao Lyrics