In the early 1980s I first heard the song “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” and found the music and message quite interesting. Last night I was exploring the Latino music on iTunes and was amazed to find this old familiar song. It was apparently on the soundtrack of the film Amores Perros. Although there have been various musicians who have performed this song, I believe that the version by Celia Cruz is the one that I heard over 20 years ago. The lyrics in Spanish are below with a translation into English.

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La Vida Es Un Carnaval by Celia Cruz

Todo aquel que piense que la vida es desigual,

tiene que saber que no es asi,

que la vida es una hermosura, hay que vivirla.

Todo aquel que piense que esta solo y que esta mal,

tiene que saber que no es asi,

que en la vida no hay nadie solo, siempre hay alguien.

Ay, no ha que llorar, que la vida es un carnaval,

es mas bello vivir cantando.

Oh, oh, oh, Ay, no hay que llorar,

que la vida es un carnaval

y las penas se van cantando.

Todo aquel que piense que la vida siempre es cruel,

tiene que saber que no es asi,

que tan solo hay momentos malos, y todo pasa.

Todo aquel que piense que esto nunca va a cambiar,

tiene que saber que no es asi,

que al mal tiempo buena cara, y todo pasa.

Ay, no ha que llorar, que la vida es un carnaval,

es mas bello vivir cantando.

Oh, oh, oh, Ay, no hay que llorar,

que la vida es un carnaval

y las penas se van cantando.

Para aquellos que se quejan tanto.

Para aquellos que solo critican.

Para aquellos que usan las armas.

Para aquellos que nos contaminan.

Para aquellos que hacen la guerra.

Para aquellos que viven pecando.

Para aquellos nos maltratan.

Para aquellos que nos contagian.

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TRANSLATION

Life is a Carnival by Celia Cruz

Everyone out there that thinks that life is unfair,

Needs to know that's not the case,

Because life is beautiful, you just have to live it.

Everyone out there that thinks they are alone and that that's bad

Needs to know that's not the case,

Because in life no one is alone, there is always someone

Ay, there's no need to cry, because life is a carnival,

It's more beautiful to live singing.

Oh, Ay, there's no need to cry,

For life is a carnival

And your pains can be alleviated through song.

Everyone out there that thinks that life is always harsh,

Needs to know that's not the case,

That there are just bad times, and it will all pass.

Everyone out there, that thinks that this will never change,

Need to know that's not the case,

The bad times will turn, it will all pass.

Ay, there's no need to cry, because life is a carnival,

It's more beautiful to live singing.

Oh, Ay, there's no need to cry,

For life is a carnival

And your pains can be alleviated through song.

For those that complain forever.

For those that only criticize.

For those that use weapons.

For those that pollute us.

For those that make war.

For those that live in sin.

For those that mistreat us.

For those that make us sick.