Veinte años is a Cuban habanera from 1935 with lyrics by Guillermina Aramburú and music by María Teresa Vera, who sang it for many years and helped immortalize the piece. The song tells a story of a love long past, with a nostalgic refrain about wishing to be loved as twenty years ago. It is commonly classified as a habanera and is also described as a bolero in some sources. The original release is not tied to a specific album in the available sources, but Vera’s performance established it as a Cuban standard. Over the years it has been covered by many artists, including Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Barbarito Díez, Buena Vista Social Club, and Diego el Cigala. A notable viral moment came in 2019 when Isaac and Nora shared a version, helping bring renewed attention to the tune. Veinte años remains a cherished example of early 20th century Cuban song and the enduring beauty of memory and longing.
