Could someone please translate and convey its subtle meaning?

Question

Could someone please translate what this Spaniard is saying? "Recuerdo aquellas canciones por la noche cerca del mar....han pasado muchos años pero quedaron cautivas con una morena de ojos marrones y una sonrisa preciosa..."

Trying to interpret poetry in any language can be difficult. Even native speakers rarely get it right. For example, try figuring out the easy Ay Ay ay ay song (Cielito Lindo). Good Luck! ) - campernick, Feb 19, 2013

Answer 1

Hmmmm,

I think there´s a bit I don´t understand, but will throw my hat in the ring, because it´s fun, not because I will end up being useful necessarily. I´ll italicize that bit

I remember those songs at night near the sea. Many years have passed, but a fair-skinned/blond with brown eyes and a cute smile is still captivating

Rog - morena is a dark skinned brunette. You might be thinking of "rubia". - Noetol, Feb 19, 2013

Morena doesn't imply she's a brunette, but it does imply that she has a darker complexion. Exactly how dark can't be known without a visual. - rodneyp, Feb 19, 2013

Morena refers to skin color only, not hair, there are plenty of dark skinned blondes in this world. Have a vote - albert-fabrik-, Feb 19, 2013

You might want to look up the definition of morena in the SD dictionary. "Brunette, dark haired, dark skinned". - Noetol, Feb 19, 2013

The dictionary and real life can often be two very thngs. Sometimes even black people are referred to as morenas, and they aren't typically brunettes. - rodneyp, Feb 19, 2013

You know, I DiD indeed flip that in my head. I know better, but sometiimes I am simply stupid. Sorry about that. Sure makes more sense this way. ;) - rogspax, Feb 19, 2013

Answer 2

This is the part that has caused confusion:

pero quedaron cautivas con una morena de ojos marrones y una sonrisa preciosa..."

"but they (the songs) remain captivating along with a brunette (or dark skinned woman or both) of brown eyes and a precious smile..."

Answer 3

The translator does a great job translating this, but I recommend breaking it down and trying to do it yourself. You can always resort to the translator for vocabulary and then come here and to see if it makes sense or get help with the grammar.

In short, the songs basically remind him of a girl. There's more meaning than this, but I don't want to do the work for you.

Answer 4

Give it your best shot, and others will help with the nuances!