Canción ("song") is a popular genre of Latin American music, particularly in Cuba, where many of the compositions originate. Its roots lie in Spanish popular song forms, including tiranas, polos and boleros; also in Italian light operetta, French romanza, and the slow waltz. Initially, even when written by the creole population of Cuba, who opposed the ruling hierarchy, the music retained its European style of "intricate melodies, and dark, enigmatic and elaborate lyrics" (Orovio).
Later, in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the canción came under the influence of the trovador movement. This resulted in the lyrical expression of the feelings and aspirations of the population. The accompaniment of the guitar followed naturally, and the canción gradually fused with other forms of Cuban (and therefore Latin American) music such as the bolero. As a distinguishing mark, though, the canción never has the full-blooded Afro-Cuban percussion which marks so much Cuban popular music.
Windows, to the world are what we're looking through
Who knows, if what we find is true
Seeing, is believing as some people say
Knowing, is to get a better view
For the windows of the world
Are never open all the way
And the voices of the past are not forgotten
Till you leave it all behind you
You will never see the day
'Cause your life is on the line
Tasting, of the wine of some forbidden fruit
Reaping, the sorrows that we sow
Reaching, to the stars will never bring us home
Teaching, what we really could not know
For the windows of the world
Are never open all the way
And the voices of the past are not forgotten
Till you leave it all behind you
You will never see the day
'Cause your life is on the line
Touching, we are moving to the things we feel
Trying, to be what we could never be
Turning, if we'd only open up our hearts
Yearning, for the things we cannot see
And the windows of the world
Are never open all the way
And the voices of the past are not forgotten
Till you leave it all behind you
You will never see the day
'Cause your life is on the line