Toussaint L'Overture by Santana

Album: Santana III (1971)

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Songfacts®:

This song is named for Toussaint L'Overture, a former Haitian slave who helped his country get its independence from France in 1804.
Running 5:56, the song is mostly instrumental, with just a few lyrics in Spanish sprinkled in (the title is not in the lyrics). Blending the band's celebrated guitar and percussion, it became a live showcase for Santana and a fan favorite. All seven band members are credited as writers on the track.
The last line, which is hard to make out, is "Vamos morena, a bailar mi montuno" (Come dance my montuno). A "montuno" is a type of Afro-Cuban music that piles on different tunes and it gradually builds up towards the end.
Future Journey guitarist Neal Schon played on this song. He turned down an offer to join Derek and the Dominos, and he was only 15 at the time. Schon and Santana had a type of competition during the recording of the song, with both guitarists having their solos erased each time they recorded a take. >>
Suggestion credit:
Jim - Oxnard, CA, for all above
Santana III is the last album featuring the lineup from their debut album and Woodstock performance, both in 1969. It was also their first album with additional member Neal Schon. After Santana III, they lost bass player David Brown and percussionist Mike Carabello; Schon stayed for another album, then left to form Journey; Santana singer/keyboard player Gregg Rolie joined him in that group a short time later.

Comments: 6

K.a. from TennesseeNick, when do you hear the riff? And from which recording of "dont..misunderstood"?
Nick from GeorgiaIncredible tune. I've seen him perform it many times. He seems like a man possessed during the solos. Love how he began dropping the riff from "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" into his solo. It's become a staple. An absolute musical tour de force and my favorite Santana song by a long shot. Thanks for the lyric, Jimmy. I often find the chanted lyrics in Santana songs difficult to decipher.
Ray from WashingtonJimmy is correct about the lyrics. They've been spread incorrectly around the internet and not many people seem to know what they actually are.
Jimmy from California The last line of the song actually says " Vamonos Negra... A Bailar Mi Guaguanco....."
Mtthewrcdrmmr from Chch, New ZealandIs this the best song ever written? Certainly the best from Latin Amerigo.
Jim from Oxnard, CaThe live version of this song was released when Columbia Records re-released Santana's first three albums.

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