Welcome to new subscribers and regular readers! Thank you for joining me for today’s song, “Ay, Carmela! (Viva la Quinta Brigada)” recorded by Rolando Alarcón. If you’d like to hear the song before you read about it, I’ve included a YouTube video below the article.
Below, you’ll find my interpretation of the lyrics which are written in italics. For Japanese students, vocabulary words in bold are provided in Japanese below. TOEIC (PBT) 450+, Eiken 2, CEFR B1.
(433 words)
Franco was a military leader in Spain. In 1936, he joined in an uprising against the Spanish government. It turned into a war between two groups: the Republicans, who wanted more freedom and social changes, and the Nationalists, led by Franco, who wanted to keep things the same as before.
The Nationalist side received military help from Germany, Italy, and Portugal. Germany and Italy sent planes, tanks, guns and soldiers. The Republican side asked countries like France, England, and the U.S. for help, but they refused. Mexico helped a little, and the Soviet Union sent military equipment and military experts.
This song was written around 1807 when the Spanish defeated Napoleon’s troops. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), new words were written to the old melody. The new lyrics were about the Republican soldiers defeating the Nationalists at the Ebro River.
The fifth brigade was a strong group of Spanish volunteer soldiers. They played an important role in defending Madrid from the Nationalist forces. Carmela is a woman’s name.
Long live the fifth brigade
(rumba-la, rumba-la, rumba-la)
That will cover us with glory
Ay, Carmela, ay, Carmela
The lyrics mention the Moors. At the time, Spain held territory in northern Africa. Franco used fierce, well-trained soldiers from Morocco to help him as he moved into Spain. They quickly captured cities in the south of Spain as they moved toward Madrid in the center.
We fight against the Moors
Mercenaries and fascists
There was a battle at the Ebro river in 1938. The Republicans managed to drive back the Nationalists.
The Ebro army crossed the river the other night
And to the invading forces
We gave them a good beating
The fifth brigade was in other parts of Spain during the war, too. In the next verse, it talks about how they fought day and night to try to save the area of Granada in southern Spain.
On the fronts of Granada
We don't have Mondays
We don't even have Tuesdays
With all the tanks and grenades (around us)
As time went on, with the continued help of Germany and Italy, Franco’s side took over more parts of Spain. In 1938, they captured the two main cities of Barcelona and Madrid. Franco won the war and became the leader of Spain. He was called “El Caudillo,” which means “The Chief.”
Franco made rules that only one political party was allowed. People couldn’t use their own languages, such as Catalan, in official documents. He built over 190 camps to keep prisoners, including people who didn’t agree with him. Many were treated badly, and some were even killed.
Watch The Spanish Earth here: Watch The Spanish Earth here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7ti8qvi_81
Leaving a comment is a good way to practice your writing skills.
Vocabulary
uprising 蜂起
brigade 旅団
territory 領土
fierce 激しい
mercenary 傭兵
invade 侵略する
beating 暴行
grenade 手榴弾
Catalan カタラン語（カタル−ニヤ地方で使用されている言語）
prisoner 囚人
Sources
Broué, P., & Temime, E. (2018). The revolution and the Civil War in Spain. Haymarket books.
Haynes, L. Background reading: 楽曲の歴史. Social Issues in Song. https://louisehaynes.com/history/history.html
Thomas, H. (2012a). The Spanish Civil War. Modern Library.
Other articles about songs from the Spanish Civil War:
Tatuaje: What is not said is as important as what is. https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/tatuaje-what-is-not-said-is-as-important
Joven Guardia (The Young Guard) https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/joven-guardia-the-young-guard
Anda Jaleo Jaleo https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/anda-jaleo-jaleo
Viva la Quinta Brigada https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/viva-la-quinta-brigada-christy-moore
Across the Ocean Wide https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/across-the-ocean-wide
Jarama Valley https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/what-happened-at-jarama-valley
A las barricadas / Warszawianka https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/a-las-barricadas
L'estaca https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/the-stake
#英検2級 #TOEIC #CEFRB1
Franco was another leader we covered in one of my college projects last year Louise, he must have been one of the worlds longest ruling dictators? Sadly I missed many of the lessons, history not being high on the list of important subjects where my work is involved, so I have gaps in my knowledge.
I believe the history professor even used the same song you have.
Weekend hugs to you and mouse xx
For those who have read this article, here is some more background on the Spanish Civil War and its consequences: https://substack.com/@andreaeschen1/note/p-164221047