Story Behind The Song
Cesar Chavez (1927-1993), one of America's greatest labor leaders and civil rights activists, dedicated himself to improving the lives of America's poorest workers. Through an organization he helped to establish that eventually became known as the United Farm Workers, he used nonviolent strikes and boycotts to get higher wages and better working conditions for Mexican American migrant workers. His ultimate weapon in his fight for justice against the rich and powerful California growers was truth. An intelligent man of soft-spoken humility and constant hope, he taught us that with cooperation and respect, we can accomplish the impossible.
"True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire." -- Cesar Chavez
Song Description
Migrant workers in California were being treated and paid unfairly. Cesar Chavez lovingly organized these workers into a union that would eventually helped bring greater equality to these deserving people. "Si Se Puede!" became the rallying cry of these farm workers.
| Song Length |
4:11 |
Genre |
Latin - Rock, Pop - General |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Mixed Vocals |
| Mood |
Endearing, Irritated |
Subject |
Civil Rights, Protest |
| Similar Artists |
Sting, Chick Corea |
Language |
Multi-Language |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Si Se Puede (Yes We Can)
(By Jonathan Sprout, Dave Kinnoin & Jimmy Hammer)
In these hot dusty fields we harvest the grapes.
From dawn until dark, we are locked in our fates.
These jobs are like prisons. Nobody escapes.
A dollar an hour is all they will pay.
It's hardly enough to survive through the day.
We live for the hope there must be a better way.
But now, campesinos, they talk of a man
Who says we must stand and unite.
Refrain:
Si se puede! We can do it, yes we can.
Si se puede! Cesar Chavez has a plan.
Si se puede! We can do it, yes we can.
He will help us unite as we stand for what right. He's our man!
Si se puede, yes we can!
We strike -Huelga-- boycott. We picket the gate.
The growers, they fight and they retaliate,
But Cesar says truth is much stronger than hate.
So we march from Delano and shout for la causa
Our campeon leading the way.
Refrain
Si! Se puede -- un milagro
Si! Viva la causa!
Si! Se puede -- igualdad
Un mejor manana
Refrain
© 2009 Kanukatunes (ASCAP) & Song Wizard Music (ASCAP), Sync Track (ASCAP)