Memory Alpha
Register
Advertisement
Memory Alpha
Mariachi group

A mariachi band playing "La Paloma"

"La Paloma" was a 19th century Spanish language song.

In 2366, after Q's powers were restored to him, he thanked the crew of the USS Enterprise-D with a performance of this song. As he played the trumpet, he was backed by a mariachi band. (TNG: "Deja Q")

According to music editor Gerry Sackman in the DVD special feature "Department Briefing Year Three: Memorable Missions," a mariachi band was brought in for a pre-record session for the tune, and was later hired for the final scene. The band played five or six different tunes, with "La Paloma" ultimately being selected. The song's title translates roughly as "The Abandonment" and is supposed to be a slow, emotional song, but the staff liked the melody so much that they double or triple-timed it, playing it as a happy ballad.

External link[]

Advertisement