"Ríe y Llora" (English: "Laugh and Cry") is a song performed by Cubanrecording artistCelia Cruz. The song was written by Sergio George and Fernando Osorio, produced by George and released as the lead single from Cruz's final studio album Regalo del Alma (2003) on 12 July 2003. It was the final song recorded by Cruz, following being sidelined by a brain tumor and before her death on 16 July 2003.
In December 2002,[7] Cruz was sidelined by a brain tumor.[8] In early 2003,[9] following a partially successful surgery to remove the tumor, Cruz returned to the studio to record Regalo del Alma,[8] weeks after the operation.[10] Cruz later died on 16 July 2003 of brain cancer,[11][12][13] at the age of 77.[8] Cruz asked that the song be the lead single for the album, "as it was the song in which she identified with."[14] "Ríe y Llora" was the final song recorded before her death.[14]
The song was composed in minor key tonality with joyful lyrics and catchy hooks. It features the use of a piano, brass horn ensemble and prominent percussion. It takes influence from Afro-Latin music.[15] The song experiments in pop balladry, accompanied by the use of an electric guitar.[16] According to a biography of Cruz, the song "is about laughing and crying. Cruz reminds her listeners to live their lives fully and enjoy every moment."[17] Cuban writer Jose Quiroga claimed the song to be "an appeal to live for the moment, and to understand that forgiveness is not forgetting, but rather the possibility of remembering without pain."[18] He opined that the song was appropriately titled.[18] The song is sequel to the songwriter's previous collaboration on Cruz's "La Negra Tiene Tumbao". The label wanted a new "La Negra Tiene Tumbao".[19]
