This Cuban singer-songwriter, loved across Latin America but practically unknown in the US, was always a great believer in his country’s socialist revolution. He wrote this anthem-like song while working on the “Playa Girón” fishing trawler, in honor of the men who helped fight off the invasion at the Bay of Pigs – something all Cubans are proud of. And yet, when you read the words, the song is far from simple-minded propaganda.
PLAYA GIRON
Comrade poets, taking into account the latest trends in poetry,
I want to ask: (It’s urgent to me!)
What sort of adjectives should we use to write a poem about a ship,
without sounding sentimental, failing to be revolutionary,
or coming off like some pamphlet;
Should I use words like “Cuban Fishing Fleet” and “Bay of Pigs?”
Comrade musicians, taking into account today’s daring polyphonic songs,
I want to ask: (It’s urgent to me!)
What harmonies should we use to compose the song of this ship
with men who were never kids, men, purely men, aboard,
black, red, blue men, the men of the Bay of Pigs?
Comrade historians, bearing in mind how relentless Truth must be,
I want to ask: (It’s so urgent to me!)
What should I say, what rules should I respect?
If someone steals food and then gives up his life, what should be done?
How far can we follow these truths?
How much do we really know?
So, let them write their own story, the men of the Bay of Pigs.
