The Mysterious End of Crosby, Stills Nash's 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes'

If you've ever listened to Crosby, Stills Nash's iconic song 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes', you may have noticed a peculiar segment at the end. This part, originally penned in Spanish, reads: 'Qué linda me la traiga Cuba La reina de la Mar Caribe Cielo sol no tiene sangreahi Y que triste que no puedo vaya oh VA oh VA'. This article delves into the origins, meaning, and significance of these lyrics.

Origins of the Lyrics

Stephen Stills, the songwriter, originally wrote the song about Judy Collins. The lyrics you highlighted find their place in the finale of the piece. According to Stills, the inclusion of the Spanish lines was intentional to add a vibrant and lively conclusion to the song. He explained, "the little kicker at the end about Cuba was just to liven it up because it had gone on forever and I didn't want it to just fall apart."

Possibilities and Interpretation

The lyrics speak of Cuba, the queen of the Caribbean, and express a desire to visit or be there. A proposed translation might be: 'How beautiful! It reminds me of Cuba, the queen of the Caribbean sea. I just want to visit her there and how sad that I cannot.' The repetition of 'Vaya' could be translated as 'Going!' or 'There it goes!'

When considering the context, it makes sense that Stills would introduce these lines inspired by his experiences with the language and culture of Cuba. This was a strategic move to add an additional layer of intrigue and cultural appeal to the song.

Commercial and Cultural Factors

The logical reasoning behind including a segment in a language other than English is to tap into new markets. Given that Crosby, Stills Nash's official language was English, adding lines in Spanish could make the song more appealing to Spanish-speaking audiences and potentially open doors to new markets in Latin America and Spain.

Additionally, the Cuban lyrics might reflect local influences or cultural interchanges that occurred during the band's travels and performances. The song could have been influenced by personal interactions, music, or cultural exchanges with Cuban artists, which further explains the introduction of these lines in the alternate language.

Conclusion

While the exact meaning of these lyrics might remain open to interpretation, the intention behind their inclusion is clear. Stephen Stills wanted to liven up the song's ending with a vibrant and heartfelt expression. To many fans, these lines add a unique charm and cultural depth to the overall work of Crosby, Stills Nash.

So, whether it's a stroke of genius or a nod to cultural influence, the final lyrics of 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' stand as a testament to the band's creativity and their desire to reach a broader audience. Next time you listen to the song, perhaps you'll appreciate these mysterious Spanish lines even more.