Canciones Historical

Songs that tell the history of Puerto Ricans

Puerto Ricans are born storytellers. There have been so many great ones. But here I'm going to list a few that became musicians and wrote songs that really convey the emotions, the memories, the feelings, the thoughts of Puerto Ricans on the island and on the mainland. There are just some songs that have resonated with the masses and have become anthems, played at important events, celebrations and gatherings. They convey history in a way that only music can.

Rafael Hernández, the composer of 'Preciosa,' also penned 'Lamento Borincano' in the same year. This poignant song narrates the story of a struggling farmer in the 1920s, who descends from his mountain home to town only to find his crops unsold on the cusp of the Great Depression. He grapples with the agonizing decision to leave his beloved island to survive. I've always viewed 'Lamento Borincano' as a powerful precursor to 'En Mi Viejo San Juan,' forming a sort of thematic trilogy that culminates with 'Preciosa.' Here I included, PJ Sin Suela's contemporary rendition which sends chills down my spine, highlighting the stark reality that, nearly a century later, the fundamental struggles depicted in the song persist. The video is stunning.
Lamento Boricano - Marc Anthony (2004)
Lamento Boricano - Canario y Su Grupo (1930)

The song, "En mi Viejo San Juan" (In my old San Juan), is a deeply beloved song that holds a significant place in Puerto Rican culture. The song was composed by Noel Estrada in 1942. The song beautifully captures the feelings of homesickness and the deep connection that Puerto Ricans have to their homeland, especially when living abroad. Personally, it evokes the image of the jibarito in the song Lamento Boricano who left the island and lives with the regret and longing. It has become an anthem for the Puerto Rican diaspora, resonating with those who have left the island. It is considered by many to be a second national anthem of Puerto Rico, alongside "La Borinqueña." There are over 1,000 known recordings of the song. The first recording was done by El Trio Vegabajeño in 1943.

Rafael Hernández, the composer of 'Lamento Borincano' also penned 'Preciosa,' also penned in the same year. The song "Preciosa" (Precious) is a powerful expression of love and nostalgia for Puerto Rico. It has become an integral part of Puerto Rican identity, often considered one of the unofficial national anthems. While it is a love letter to Puerto Rico, celebrating its beauty, resilience, and the spirit of its people, it also contains elements of protest, expressing resistance against oppression. It evokes strong emotions and a sense of pride among Boricuas, both on the island and in the diaspora. Preciosa is always the last song played at every event that I organize.
In 2024, contestant Johnny Bliss sang Preciosa on The Voice, bringing this deeply personal anthem to the entire world tuning in.

After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September 2017, many mainland Puerto Ricans were desperate to contact their families. As he waited for news, the hurricane's name, Maria, evoked the character from the Oscar-winning film West Side Story. Inspired by this connection, Miranda incorporated a line and its melody from a song in the film. The song primarily features the names of Puerto Rican towns. Being the musical genius he is, he created this amazing song. Lin-Manuel Miranda rallied Latino artists to contribute their voices to this single to raise funds for the island. I also created a version featuring images of various Puerto Rican towns. In 2024, Bad Bunny released 'Una Velita' at exactly seven years later to the minute Hurricane Maria winds struck the island. It is a haunting song that fuses modern and traditional sounds of Puerto Rico and makes a scathing critique of the Puerto Rican government.