3 Foreign-Language Classic Rock Songs That Prove Music Can Be All About Feel

Music is a lot of things. It’s rhythm, it’s melody, and it’s lyrics. It’s about delivery and meaning but sometimes those latter two can coalesce. While so many of us listen to songs for the lyrics and what the lead singer might be saying, there are other ways to enjoy music. Sometimes it’s about how a song feels and the lyrics—or the language the lyrics are written—don’t matter.

Here below, we wanted to explore three such examples. A trio of classic rock songs that don’t depend on English-speaking audiences to discern the words. Songs that rocketed up the charts nevertheless. Indeed, here below are three foreign-language classic rock songs that prove music can be all about feel.

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“Oye Cómo Va” by Santana from Abraxas (1970)

Originally written by Tito Puente for his 1962 LP El Rey Bravo, the Bay Area guitarist Santana recorded his own lively rendition for his 1970 rock record, Abraxas. And on that version, Santana featured the singer Gregg Rolie on the tune, who says in Spanish,

Oye cómo va
Mi ritmo
Bueno pa’ gozar
Mulata

Oye cómo va
Mi ritmo
Bueno pa’ gozar
Mulata

“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens from Ritchie Valens (1958)

When rocker Ritchie Valens adopted this traditional Mexican folk song into a then-modern rock hit, the sky was the limit for the burgeoning talent. Sadly, all that hope was dashed when, not long after, Valens along with others including Buddy Holly died in a tragic plane crash. That moment today is known as as “the day the music died.” But thanks to the Valens recording, we still can enjoy his Spanish-language rock offering, on which the upbeat artist sings,

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Pa’ mí, pa’ ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Y arriba, y arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré

“Onda” by Los Lonely Boys from Los Lonely Boys (2004)

This song may only have a few lyrics, but it’s effective nevertheless. A nearly nine-minute track, it’s like a roller-coaster thanks to the bombastic rhythms and lightning bolt guitar playing. Released over 20 years ago, it’s hard to believe it can be considered classic rock today but oh, where does the time go! And on the tune, lead singer of the brother band Henry Garza sings minimally,

Ondas mi alma y mi vida
Ondas mi onda en mi vida

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