The meaning of Oye Como Va by Santana

Oye Como Va is a popular song by Santana, released in 1970 on their iconic album "Abraxas". The song, which translates to "Hear How It Goes" in English, is a fusion of rock, blues, and Latin American music styles.

The song was written by Tito Puente, a renowned Puerto Rican musician, and was originally recorded by him in 1963. Santana's version features Carlos Santana on guitar, Gregg Rolie on keyboards, Michael Shrieve on drums, David Brown on bass, and José "Chepito" Areas on percussion. The song's instrumentation is characterized by Santana's signature blend of rock and Latin music elements, including congas, timbales, and bongos.

Lyrically, Oye Como Va is a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting too close to someone who is not good for you. The song's protagonist is warned by a friend to be careful and not get too caught up in the charms of this person, but he ignores the advice and ultimately suffers the consequences. The lyrics are delivered in both English and Spanish, adding to the song's unique cultural blend.

Musically, Oye Como Va features Santana's virtuosic guitar work, with a memorable riff that has become one of the most recognizable in rock music. The song's rhythm section is also noteworthy, with Shrieve's drums and Brown's bass providing a driving foundation for the track. Areas' percussion adds a layer of energy and tension to the song, while Rolie's keyboards provide a subtle harmonic undercurrent.

Oye Como Va has become one of Santana's most beloved and enduring songs, and its blend of rock, blues, and Latin music styles continues to influence musicians to this day. The song remains a staple of Santana's live shows, and its iconic guitar riff is widely recognized as one of the greatest in rock history.