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Added lyrics to the piece for his album Escenas de Amor . Angélique Kidjo: Recorded a version with lyrics in Yoruba.
It is featured as one of the significant tracks in Nick Hornby's book, Songbook . Live History carlos_santana_samba_pa_ti
Carlos Santana wrote the song in 1970 after observing a jazz saxophonist playing outside his apartment while struggling with a bottle of alcohol. Santana recalled that the melody came to him instantly: "I wrote the whole thing right there". Added lyrics to the piece for his album Escenas de Amor
Performed a flamenco-influenced version on his album Solo para ti . Live History Carlos Santana wrote the song in
The jazz-funk trio Soulive frequently covers the song, including performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club in 2024 and Ardmore Music Hall in 2025.
While titled a "Samba," the track has the tempo of a slow samba with a haunting melody in the key of G major. It is known for its emotive, singing guitar lines that eventually transition into a faster, more rhythmic outro. Legacy and Covers