Cuban Pete
Desi Arnaz, Amanda Lane
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They raved about Sloppy Joe The latin labarrio But Havana has a new sensation He's really a modest guy Although he's the hottest guy in Havana And here's what he has to say They call me Cuban Pete I'm the king of the rhumba beat When I play the maracas I go chick chicky boom, chick chicky boom Yes sir I'm Cuban Pete I'm the craze of my native street When I start to dance everything goes chick chicky boom The senoritas, they sing and how they swing with this rumbero It's very nice, so full of spice And when they're dancin they bring a happy ring the maraquero Singin a song, all the day long So if you like the beat Take a lesson from cuban pete, And I'll teach you to chick chicky boom, chick chicky boom Si, senorita, I know that you will like the chicky boom chick 'Cause it's the dance of latin romance And Cuban Pete doesn't teach you in a hurry like Authur Murry You're now in Havana and there's always manyana So senorita please Take it easy, do it with ease And you'll love it when you do the Chick chicky boom, chick chicky boom
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Written by: JOSE NORMAN
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Origin"Cuban Pete" was originally written by Joseph Norman (José) Norman in 1936. Norman was an English song-writer known for his Latin American hits.
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Artist BackgroundDesi Arnaz, who popularized "Cuban Pete," was a Cuban-born American actor, musician, bandleader, and television producer. He is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the classic American TV sitcom "I Love Lucy" where he starred alongside his real-life wife, Lucille Ball.
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Song Popularity"Cuban Pete" became one of Arnaz's signature songs, and he often performed it on the "I Love Lucy" show.
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Symbol of an EraThe song's catchy melody and distinctive Latin rhythm made it emblematic of the Mambo dance craze that swept the United States in the 1940s and 1950s.
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Film Presence"Cuban Pete" has been featured in several films. Notably, Jim Carrey performed the song in the 1994 film "The Mask".
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Political ContextDuring the 1940s and early 1950s, Arnaz's "Cuban Pete" countered some of the anti-Latinx sentiments prevalent in the U.S., serving as a reminder of the shared cultural experiences between the U.S. and its southern neighbors.
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Unique InstrumentationDesi Arnaz's version of "Cuban Pete" often included a large backing band with a full brass and percussion section, reflecting his love for big-band Latin music.
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Dance AccompanimentWhenever "Cuban Pete" was performed in "I Love Lucy," it was almost always accompanied by a characteristic Mambo dance, emphasizing the song's infectious rhythm.
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Signature PhraseThe phrase "chick-chicky-boom," repeated throughout the song, became a signature catchphrase associated with Arnaz and his performances.
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RecordingThe song “Cuban Pete,” was first recorded by Ruth Coleman with Jack Harris & His Orchestra in 1936, but the 1946 version by Desi Arnaz brought it international popularity.
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Cultural ImpactIn addition to its presence in television and film, "Cuban Pete" has been referenced in various media, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural resonance. It's been covered by several artists over the years, including Lou Bega and Cheo Marquetti.
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Citation
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"Cuban Pete Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4055747/Desi+Arnaz/Cuban+Pete>.
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