Luis: Each time we meet

At work or the street

We always say "hello"

But you say

Maria: "Hola"

Luis: And I say, "hola"

Both: It's a word that we both know

"Hola" means "hi"

"Hello", not "goodbye"

Why, everywhere you go

Maria: The girls say "hola"

Luis: The boys say "hola"

Both: 'Cause "hola" means "hello"

(they dance as background voices oooh and ahhh)

Both: It's not just a fad

Tell Mommy and Dad

That "hola"'s what to say

Luis: So try an "hola"

Maria: Repeat, say "hola"

Both: Tell them "hola"'s here to stay

Maria: Latins from Alaska

Or from Spain or Saint Nebraska

All say "hola" when they mean "hello"

Luis: Latins from Havana

Or Detroit or Old Montana

Know that's just how the old greeting goes

Both: Latins from Queens and the hip Argentines

Say "hola" when greeting each other

We know the way, we can all say

"Hola, what's happening, brother?"

Take it from us

And don't make a fuss

We want you in the know

So just say "hola"

Come on, say "hola"

Say "hola" instead of "hello"