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Perfidia

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Nat King Cole

About Perfidia

"Perfidia" (Spanish for "perfidy", meaning faithlessness, treachery or betrayal) is a song written by Alberto Domínguez (1911–1975), a Mexican composer and arranger born in the state of Chiapas, about love and betrayal. Aside from the original Spanish, other renditions exist, including English and instrumental versions. The English lyrics are by Milton Leeds. The song was published in 1939 and became a hit for Xavier Cugat on the Victor label in 1940. Desi Arnaz sings the Spanish version in the 1941 film Father Takes a Wife which starred Gloria Swanson. This version was used by director Wong Kar-wai in his films Days of Being Wild, In the Mood for Love, and 2046. In late 1960 a rock instrumental version of "Perfidia" was released by the Ventures, which rose to number 18 on the Billboard chart. The record was a Top 10 hit on a number of popular music radio stations, including KYA in San Francisco, KLIF Dallas, KOL Seattle, KDWB Minneapolis, WHK Cleveland, KIMN Denver, and KISN Portland. The record topped out at number 11 on the charts of WLS Chicago, and WIBG Philadelphia.  


Year:
1992
2:18
14,643 
#28

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Nadie comprende lo que sufro yo
Tanto que ya no puedo sollozar
Solo temblando de ansiedad estoy
Todos me miran y se van

To you
My heart cries out "Perfidia"
For I find you, the love of my life 
In somebody else's arms

Your eyes are echoing "Perfidia"
Forgetful of the promise of love
You're sharing another's charms

With a sad lament my dreams are faded like a broken melody
While the gods of love look down and laugh 
At what romantic fools we mortals be

And now, I know* my love was not for you
And so I take it back with a sigh
Perfidious one, Goodbye

With a sad lament my dreams are faded like a broken melody
While the gods of love look down and laugh 
At what romantic fools we mortals be

And now, I know* my love was not for you
And so I take it back with a sigh
Perfidious one, Goodbye
Goodbye

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Nat King Cole

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was a musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. He owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. He was one of the first black Americans to host a television variety show, and has maintained worldwide popularity since his death. more »

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Sheet Music      PDF     

Written by: ALBERTO DOMINGUEZ, MILTON LEEDS

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

15 facts about this song

Perfidia" History and Origin
"Perfidia" is a song written by Mexican composer Alberto Dominguez in 1939. It is one of the most popular songs in Latin American history, often associated with the golden age of Mexican cinema.
Various Artists Covers
The song has been covered by numerous artists around the world, including Ben E. King, Glenn Miller, Ibrahim Ferrer, Linda Ronstadt, Los Panchos, Los Rabanes, Luis Miguel, Mel Tormé, Nana Mouskouri, Nat King Cole, and Phyllis Dillon.
Ben E. King's Version
Ben E. King, known for his soulful voice and ballads, performed his rendition of "Perfidia".
Glenn Miller's Interpretation
Glenn Miller, the famous American big band musician, covered "Perfidia" in 1941. His version introduced the song to a broader American audience and became a notable jazz standard.
Ibrahim Ferrer's Cover
Ibrahim Ferrer, a member of the Buena Vista Social Club, performed the song in the traditional Cuban style.
Linda Ronstadt's Rendition
Linda Ronstadt, a multi-platinum artist, reinvented "Perfidia" with her powerful voice. Her version added a pop touch to the traditional Latin song.
Los Panchos' Performance
Los Panchos, a famous trio from Mexico, popularized the song in the mid-20th century. Their harmonious performance has made their rendition one of the classic performances of "Perfidia".
Los Rabanes' Rock Interpretation
Los Rabanes, a rock band from Panama, diversified the melody of "Perfidia" giving it an aggressive tone with rock elements.
Luis Miguel's Rendition
Luis Miguel, also known as "The Sun of Mexico", sang "Perfidia" preserving the romantic rhythm. His rendition became popular among younger audiences.
Mel Tormé's Cover
Mel Tormé, nicknamed "The Velvet Fog" for his smooth vocal style, made a jazz interpretation of "Perfidia".
Nana Mouskouri's Version
The Greek singer, Nana Mouskouri, included the song in her album “Libertad” released in 1986. She sang it preserving its romantic character.
Nat King Cole's Rendition
Nat King Cole, a legendary American jazz musician, lent his unique voice and style to the tune. His multilingual version of "Perfidia" is one of the most recognized.
Phyllis Dillon's Interpretation
The Jamaican singer, Phyllis Dillon, covered "Perfidia" blending it with reggae vibes. Her version reflects the diversity and adaptability of the song.
Popularity in Films
The song "Perfidia" has been used in numerous films and TV shows, often to evoke a nostalgic or romantic mood.
Song Meaning
"Perfidia" is about a love betrayed. The word "perfidia" translates to "perfidy" or "treachery" in English, referring to the infidelity of a lover.

Discuss the Perfidia Lyrics with the community:

1 Comment
  • postdoggerel
    postdoggerel
    my friend is hotter than uranium.
    she has a heart of unobtanium.
    when I look at her and long for her touch
    she smiles and tells me straight up, "not so much"

    it's enough to drive me stark raving mad
    to think I have lost what I never had
    most would call it an unrequited love;
    something I would rather be far above

    but my heart is down here and I feel bad.
    I will never see her beauty unclad.
    she will not let me gently undress her,
    and against my skin I can not press her.


    I guess I will have to let it all go
    and forget the joy I will never know.

    take it and jam it, you silly damn f***.
    she came your way and it was just bad luck
    that when you insisted she resisted.
    stiff upper lip, lad, steel up, show some pluck.

    the reason she won't even let you start
    is that she doesn't want to break your heart.
    she knows full well that you are not the one.
    your end all be all vision comes undone.

    and though to most it may seem unseemly
    you will have her in dreams, so dreamily
    your libido thinks it's reality.
    in real life that is called banality.

    so rise from your mediocrity, pal,
    and pass her off to a big alpha male.     
    LikeReply1 year ago

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