Spanish Harlem - Song Lyrics

  • Written by Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector
  • This was one of the first hit songs written by Phil Spector, who would go on to become one of the top producers in the music industry
  • Originally performed by Ben E. King (born Benjamin E. Nelson on 9/23/38 in Henderson North Carolina
  • King was the lead singer for The Drifters from 1959 to 1960, and left in a dispute over low wages
  • This was the first of seven Top 40 hits King had as a solo artist, (although one of those songs, "Stand By Me", charted twice). Indeed, the song was recorded in the same session as "Stand By Me".
  • Released in 1960, King's version went to #10 on the Top 40 charts in 1961
  • The song was covered by Aretha Franklin in 1971, and her version went to #2 on the charts
  • Spanish Harlem is a section of New York City with a large Latino population
A sample of this song as performed by Oracle is available by clicking on either of the links below.  The RealAudio file will stream to your computer rather quickly assuming you have the RealAudio player installed.  The MP3 file must download completely first, but is of a higher audio quality.
   
Streaming RealAudio Download MP3

There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
It is a special one, it's never seen the sun
It only comes out when the moon is on the run
And all the stars are gleaming
It's growing in the street right up through the concrete
But soft and sweet and dreamin'

There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
With eyes as black as coal that look down in my soul
And starts a fire there and then I lose control
I have to beg your pardon
I'm going to pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden

I'm going to pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden

(There is a rose in Spanish Harlem)
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la
(There is a rose in Spanish Harlem)
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la
(There is a rose in Spanish Harlem)

Note that the lyrics posted here are those as interpreted and performed by The Oracle Band. In a few cases we have taken some liberties with the lyrics to make them more appropriate for tasteful gatherings. Their use here is intended as an aid for people in selecting music for their wedding reception or private party, and may not be reproduced for any commercial, for-profit use.

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Oracle Band
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