Déjame que te cuente, limeño
Déjame que te diga la gloria
Del ensueño que evoca la memoria
Del viejo puente, del río y la alameda
You don’t need to speak Spanish to have an idea of the feeling in this song. The piercing chords and anguished vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia so profound, that regardless of superficial understanding or even the adaptation you are listening to, La Flor de la Canela is likely to transport you back in memory.
La Flor de la Canela, which translates to ‘Cinnamon Flower’ in English, was composed by Chabuca Granda in 1950. It perfectly reflects the bohemian character of the Barranco district where the young artist was living at the time. Born in Apurímac in 1920, Granda spent much of her life in Lima and started singing at a very young age. This song in particular helped to accelerate and characterize her career. It is a Peruvian vals that was inspired by Victoria Angulo Castillo, a distinguished woman of African descent who lived in the district of Rímac. Consequently, La Flor de la Canela strays from the traditional vals (waltz) style due its Afro-Peruvian and Criollo influences.
As it starts, Grandas voice is tranquil and composed. She beseeches the listener: “Let me tell you, limeño. Let me tell you of the glory, of the dream that evokes the memory of the old bridge, the river and the avenue.” As she continues, Granda’s voice grows in fervor and intensity, imparting her strong emotion to the audience.
A few years after its debut, La Flor de la Canela was picked up by Los Morochucos in 1953, but it wasn’t until the Peruvian trio Los Chamas adapted it in 1954 that it skyrocketed in popularity and became immortalized as a limeño anthem. Since that time, many other well-known artists have covered and performed Grandas work, including Julio Iglesias and Gian Marco.
Granda’s lyrics are very abstract, allowing the listeners to interpret for themselves the meaning of the song. As a result, La Flor de la Canela has transcended time and remains a classic to this day. As the song comes to a close, Granda relives her memory and leaves behind the impression of incredible and intangible beauty – something that can only be described through the perfumed freedom and candid nature of the cinnamon flower.
