Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 17, 2024, from the original work “Guayaquil de mis amores” by Lauro Dávila Echeverría (1885-1968) of Pasaje, El Oro, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the lyrics as “Guayaquil of My Loves.”
Guayaquil of My Loves
You are a pearl that emerged
from the mightiest, most hidden sea,
and yet, to the whisper of its lullaby,
you transformed into a blooming garden;
formed with sovereign endeavors,
our God fashioned a paradise
from your beauties, Guayaquil;
Guayaquil of my dreams.
If within your blondes and brunettes,
driven mad by passion,
beats a heart
that soothes the deepest sorrows
with eyes of sea-green
or as black as nightfall,
they always impose their will,
Guayaquil of my songs.
Because your princesses
captivate eyes
and intoxicate with kisses
from their cherry lips,
I claim from you the sweetness
with which I yearn to live,
so I may never suffer again;
Guayaquil of my tenderness.
And gazing at their green eyes,
where my soul yearns to be,
imprisoned as if by the sea,
or as I sink to my knees,
in nights gleaming
with the light of their black eyes,
my heart will tell you:
Guayaquil of my loves…
Translator’s Notes: Growing up in the vibrant city of Guayaquil, “Guayaquil of My Loves” was a cherished anthem that echoed through the streets and hearts of its residents, including mine. Lauro Dávila Echeverría‘s timeless composition, recorded on July 19, 1930, in New York City, captures the deep pride and affection felt for Guayaquil. Since its recording, the song has been performed by countless singers, including the famed Julio Jaramillo. As a foundational member of the National Union of Musicians, Dávila’s legacy as a poet, songwriter, and teacher endures, his contributions celebrated through his enduring masterpiece. This translation is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Guayaquil and the indelible mark left by Dávila’s artistry.
Original Spanish Version
Guayaquil de mis amores
Tu eres perla que surgiste
del mas grande e ignoto mar,
y si al son de su arrullar
en jardin te convertiste;
soberana en sus empeños
nuestro Dios formo un pensil
con tus bellas Guayaquil;
Guayaquil de mis ensueños.
Si a tus rubias y morenas
Que enloquecen de pasión
Les palpita un corazón
Que mitiga negras penas
Con sus ojos verdes mares
O de negro anochecer
Siempre imponen su querer
Guayaquil de mis cantares.
Porque tienes las princesas
que fascinan al mirar
y que embriagan al besar
con sus labios de cerezas,
te reclamo las dulzuras
con que anhelo yo vivir,
para nunca mas sufrir;
Guayaquil de mis ternuras.
Y al mirar sus verdes ojos
donde mi alma anhela estar
prisionero cual el mar
o al hundirme ya, de hinojos,
en las noches con fulgores
que sus ojos negros son,
te dira mi corazon:
Guayaquil de mis amores…