A bout the song
“Soul Sacrifice,” an instrumental masterpiece by the iconic American rock band Santana, stands as a testament to the electrifying energy and musical prowess that defined the Woodstock era of 1969. Composed and recorded during a pivotal time in Santana’s career, the track features prominently in both the historic Woodstock festival and documentary, solidifying its place in music history.
Originally appearing as the final track on Santana’s self-titled debut album released in 1969, “Soul Sacrifice” quickly garnered attention for its innovative fusion of Latin percussion and rock guitar. The composition marked an early collaboration that showcased the distinctive talents of Carlos Santana on guitar and Michael Shrieve on drums, alongside the rhythmic foundation laid by percussionists Mike Carabello and Jose ‘Chepito’ Areas, and bassist David Brown.
The genesis of “Soul Sacrifice” dates back to Santana’s formative years, with Carlos Santana recalling its creation coinciding with Brown’s addition to the band. The song’s structure blends traditional guaguanco rhythms with Carlos Santana’s signature guitar style, complemented by Gregg Rolie’s keyboard work. This unique blend not only captured the spirit of Santana’s musical roots but also resonated profoundly with audiences, particularly during their electrifying performance at Woodstock.
At Woodstock, Santana’s rendition of “Soul Sacrifice” became legendary. As the band’s closing number, it mesmerized the crowd and showcased Santana’s ability to weave intricate guitar solos with the pulsating beats of Latin percussion. Santana himself has reflected on the performance, describing a transformative experience heightened by psychedelic influences, culminating in a profound connection with the audience.
The impact of Woodstock on Santana’s career cannot be overstated. Following their mesmerizing performance, the Woodstock soundtrack album soared to number one on the Billboard charts, propelling Santana’s debut album to number four. This sudden surge in popularity catapulted Santana into the global spotlight, establishing them as one of the most influential bands of their time.
Today, “Soul Sacrifice” remains a quintessential piece of Santana’s musical legacy, celebrated for its innovation, cultural fusion, and enduring influence on rock and Latin music. Whether experienced through their studio recordings, live performances, or commemorative releases, the song continues to captivate new generations of listeners, ensuring its place as a timeless classic in the annals of rock history.
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Lyrics
Ella baila la portugueza
Estoy llamando a todas las morenas
Y las llamada la viene da la luz
Con calma se baila esta danza
Y con amor canto yo esta cancion
Africa bamba ase a un lado a la tristeza
Y otra mas dulce no la podras encontrar
Oye eso te va sentir feliz
Ella, ella, baila portuguesa
Africa yo te estoy llamando a ti
Oye Puerto Rico adonde estas
Levanta las manos Colombia
Oye donde estas Peruanos
Venezuela yo te quiero
China, China yo te quiero tambien
Japon, Japon, Japon que rico Japon
Japon baila con Santana
No se olviden Mexico, Mexico, mi Mexico
Mi Mexico