By Alliance Communications Coordinator Amy Durr
To celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, we’re sharing Juanes’ song La Tierra (The Earth), a poetic tribute to our bond with the earth, evoking both gratitude and responsibility. The lyrics speak of the land as a living presence that nurtures, sustains and connects us, reminding us of our origins and the roots that ground us.
Through vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, the song reflects the beauty and fragility of nature, while also calling for care and respect toward the planet we call home. At its core, the lyrics celebrate belonging, identity and the deep love for one’s homeland.
“Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes’ is no stranger to using his musical talent to voice concerns about social and environmental issues. His song La Tierra is a vibrant call to protect our planet, blending his signature melodic rock with heartfelt lyrics that emphasize the beauty of Earth and the critical need to care for it,” says The Latin Times.
“This track is an excellent example of how Latin musicians are playing a pivotal role in promoting environmental consciousness through their art,” The Latin Times continues, including the song in their article Earth Day 2024: Top 10 Latin music songs to add to your playlist.
In the past, our Transformational Sustainability has featured several other songs on this playlist, including sweet, sad ¿Dónde jugarán los niños? (Where Are the Children?) by Maná (the most successful Mexican rock band of all time) and the serene El Paraíso (Paradise) by Nación Ekeko and Julieta Venegas.
Juanes recorded a softer version of La Tierra that he reimagined in collaboration with the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra. It blends the power of rock with the richness of symphonic music, each instrument adding depth and texture. Recorded remotely yet performed in harmony, the piece highlights the unifying force of music — bridging distances and bringing musicians and listeners together in one resonant, soulful melody.
Juanes also recorded a completely different jazz version with Herbie Hancock for The Imagine Project, Hancock’s “star-studded collection of cover songs, featuring pop and rock stars from all over the planet,” according to NPR.
Lyrics for The Earth / La Tierra Written and performed by Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez Translation: Letras
Love the land where you were born
Ama la tierra en que naciste
Love it is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
To the woman who gave birth to you
A la mujer que te pario
Love her is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
Love your brother love your race
Ama tu hermano ama tu raza
Love it is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
Love your blood and don’t spill it around
Ama tu sangre y no la riegues por ahí
Love it is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
Oh, love it is one and nothing more
Ay, amala es una y nada más
Oh, love it is one and nothing more
Ay, amala es una y nada más
Water that flows through the river
Agua que vas por el río
You have my soul deep within
Tienes mi alma en lo profundo
Heart that no longer beats
Corazón que no palpita
Is already out of this world
Ya esta fuera de este mundo
Oh, is already out of this world
Ay, ya esta fuera de este mundo
Oh, is already out of this world
Ay, ya esta fuera de este mundo
From this dreamy world
De este mundo soñador
That traps you in a corner
Que te atrapa en un rincón
Punishes you with passion
Te castiga con pasión
Oh, what a dreamy world
Ay que mundo soñador
Lack, lack, lack of love
Falta, falta, falta amor
Lack, lack of heart
Falta, falta corazón
In the land of pain
En la tierra del dolor
Heart is needed
Hace falta corazón
Love the land where you were born
Ama la tierra en que naciste
Love it is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
To the woman who gave birth to you
A la mujer que te pario
Love her is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
Love your brother love your race
Ama tu hermano ama tu raza
Love it is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
Love your blood and don’t spill it around
Ama tu sangre y no la riegues por ahí
Love it is one and nothing more
Amala es una y nada más
Oh, love it is one and nothing more
Ay, amala es una y nada más
Because my heart
Porque mi corazón
Is already out of this world
Ya esta fuera de este mundo
From this dreamy world
De este mundo soñador
That traps you in a corner
Que te atrapa en un rincón
Punishes you with passion
Te castiga con pasión
Oh, what a dreamy world
Ay que mundo soñador
Lack, lack, lack of love
Falta, falta, falta amor
Lack, lack of heart
Falta, falta corazón
In the land of pain
En la tierra del dolor
Heart is needed
Hace falta corazón