Say "Si Si"

The Mills Brothers

About Say "Si Si"

"Para Vigo me voy", known in English as "Say Si Si", is a popular song written in 1935 by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona with lyrics by Francia Luban (original Spanish version) and Al Stillman (translated English version). Early bands to record the song include Xavier Cugat's orchestra (1935) and Lecuona Cuban Boys (1937). The song was copyrighted in the United States in 1940. It became a hit in the US when it was recorded by The Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller in 1940, and The Mills Brothers in 1953.  


Year:
1965
361 
#1

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

In Spain they say "Si, Si"
In France you'll hear "Oui, Oui"
Ev'ry little Dutch girl says "Ya, Ya"
Ev'ry little Russian says "Da, Da"

But, Sweetheart, tell me why
No matter how I try
You won't listen to my plea
Won't say "Yes" in any language to me
When will you say "Si, Si"

"Si, Si", "Si, Si"
"Si, Si", "Si, Si"
Ev'ry little Dutch girl says "Ya, Ya", ya-ya-ya
Ev'ry little Russian says "Da, Da"

But, Sweetheart, oh, why won't you tell me why
No matter how m-m-much I try, please tell me why
La-la-la-la-da, won't listen to my plea
Won't say "Yes" on any language to me
Oh-woh, and when you say "Si, Si", say "Si, Si"

La la la la la la la da da da da
La da da da da da da da
La da da da da da da da
Da da da da da da da da daaa

If you could only say "Si, Si", "Oui, Oui", "Ya, Ya", "Da, Da,"
Da da da la da
And all my life would be a song,
Nothing could go wrong, go wrong, go wrong

If you give in, I'll win
I won't give up, give up
Darling, if you give in
I must hear you say "Si, Si"

Oh, won't you listen to my plea
Please say "Yes" in any language to me
Won't you say "Si, Si", say "Si, Si"

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Mills Brothers

The Mills Brothers, sometimes billed the Four Mills Brothers, and originally known as the Four Kings of Harmony, were an African-American jazz and pop vocal quartet who made more than 2,000 recordings that sold more than 50 million copies and garnered at least three dozen gold records. The Mills Brothers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. more »

9 fans

Written by: ERNESTO LECUONA

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Say 'Si Si'" is a song composed by Cuban bandleader, Ernesto Lecuona. It was originally written in the 1930s in Spanish.
Glenn Miller's Version
Glenn Miller, an American big-band trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era, made the song popular with his orchestration in the 1940s.
Andrews Sisters' Version
The Andrews Sisters, a popular harmonic singing group, also recorded their version of "Say 'Si Si'" which further propelled the songs' popularity in the music scene.
The Mills Brothers' Rendition
The Mills Brothers, an African-American jazz and pop vocal quartet, also did a successful cover of the song.
Language Influence
The English lyrics were written by Al Stillman, but the original Spanish verse is often used in various renditions.
Chart Success
Glenn Miller’s orchestration of "Say ‘Si Si'" reached number 4 on Billboard's list in 1940.
War-Time Relevance
The song and its renditions were popular during World War II, evidenced by several performances by Glenn Miller's orchestra for radio broadcasts and on-stage.
Jazz Influence
While the original composition of 'Say “Si Si” was influenced by traditional Cuban rhythms, many versions, including those by Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters, and The Mills Brothers, brought in elements of jazz and swing.
Noteworthy Recordings
Besides Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters, and The Mills Brothers, other notable musicians and bands, including Pérez Prado, Guy Lombardo, and The Pointer Sisters, have also recorded "Say 'Si Si'" over the years, attesting to its universal appeal.
Legacy
The song continues to be a standard in both the Latin jazz and big band repertoires, with several performances and recordings by various bands and musicians across the world today.

Discuss the Say "Si Si" Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Say "Si Si" Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1043387/The+Mills+Brothers/Say+%22Si+Si%22>.

    Missing lyrics by The Mills Brothers?

    Know any other songs by The Mills Brothers? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Say "Si Si"

    2,663
    22     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    On the album "Diver Down", which song did Van Halen feature a cover of?
    A Ice Cream Man
    B A Apolitical Blues
    C (Oh) Pretty Woman
    D You Really Got Me

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The Mills Brothers tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!