Puerto Rico ⎮ La Isla Preciosa
“Preciosa” – For those that have visited and lived on this enchanting island know the feelings described in this song to be very true. To many Puerto Ricans La Isla Preciosa also known as “Preciosa” was written by “Preciosa”, composed by Rafael Hernandez, born in the town of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. A statue in his honor is proudly standing at the center of Plaza de Recreo de Aguadilla (Town Square), the picture above.
Rafael Hernandez’s remains now rest at Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis in the capital city of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Preciosa Lyrics
Yo sé lo que son los encantos,
de mi Borinquen hermosa
por eso la quiero yo tanto
y siempre la llamaré preciosa
Isla del Caribe
Isla del Caribe,
Borinquen.
Yo sé de tus hembras trigueñas,
y del olor de tus rosas
y a esa mi tierra riqueña,
por siempre la llamaré, preciosa.
Isla del Caribe
Isla del Caribe,
Borinquen.
Preciosa te llamen los olas
del mar que te bañan,
Preciosa, por ser un encanto,
por ser un Edén
Y tienes la noble hidalguía
de la madre España
y el fiero cantillo del indio bravío
lo tienes también.
Preciosa te llamen los bardos
que cantan tu historia
no importa el tirano te trate
con negra maldad.
Preciosa, serás sin bandera
sin lauros ni gloria.
Preciosa, preciosa te llaman
los hijos del la libertad.
Great Performances of Preciosa
Original music performed by Rafael Hernandez on the grand piano
Video begins with footage of the funeral of composer Rafael Hernandez and conversation among singers about the meaning and emotions that this song evokes…Marc Anthony expresses how the only way you can truly experience the ties we have to the island is when we are forced to leave…
Preciosa by Tenor Alfredo Kraus
Puerto Rico ⎮ La Isla Preciosa