Learn Spanish with “Cali Pachanguero”

“Cali Pachanguero,” performed by Grupo Niche, is one of the most iconic songs in Colombian salsa. Its lyrics express love, pride, and nostalgia for Cali, a city known for its joyful spirit, nightlife, and strong salsa tradition. The song also offers students a great way to learn vocabulary related to cities, emotions, and local culture.

Lyrics

Cali pachanguero, Cali luz de un nuevo cielo Cali, city of celebration, Cali, light of a new sky.

De romántica luna, el lucero que es lleno With your romantic moon and your bright, shining star.

Se mira en tu valle la mujer que yo quiero In your valley, I can see the woman I love.

Y el jilguero que canta, calles que se levantan And the goldfinch singing as the streets come alive.

Carnaval en Juanchito, todo un pueblo que inspira Carnival in Juanchito, an entire city that inspires.

Cali pachanguero, Cali luz de un nuevo cielo Cali, city of celebration, Cali, light of a new sky.

Es por eso que espero que los días que lejos That is why I hope that, during the days I am far away...

Cuando dure mi ausencia, sabes bien que me muero For as long as my absence lasts, you know that I am dying inside.

Todos los caminos conducen a ti All roads lead to you.

Si supieras la pena que un día sentí If only you knew the sorrow I felt one day.

Cuando enfrente de mí tus montañas no vi When I could not see your mountains before me.

Que todo, que todo, que todo que... Let everyone, everyone, everyone...

Que todo el mundo te cante Let the whole world sing to you.

Que todo el mundo te mime Let the whole world cherish you.

Celoso estoy pa’ que mires I am jealous, so that you will notice me.

No me voy más ni por miles I will not leave again, not even for thousands.

Que todo el mundo te cante Let the whole world sing to you.

Que todo el mundo te mime Let the whole world cherish you.

Celoso estoy pa’ que mires I am jealous, so that you will notice me.

No me voy más ni por miles I will not leave again, not even for thousands.