Stumped by a Santana hit? Discover the answer to this crossword puzzle clue!

As the detective in this mystery, I first approached the crossword clue “‘___ Como Va’ (1971 Santana hit)” by taking note of the phrase’s structure. The presence of the ellipsis before the words “Como Va” indicated that a missing word had been omitted, likely for reasons of space or of challenging the solver. This clue was designed to pique my curiosity and require deeper investigation.

My background knowledge in music and pop culture led me to suspect that the missing word could be a lyric from a popular song, providing me with a jumping-off point for my investigation. I recalled that Santana, a renowned rock band, had several hits in the 1970s. “Oye Como Va” is one of their most famous songs, known for its infectious rhythm and Latin influence. This realization immediately caught my attention.

In Spanish, “oye” translates to “listen” or “hear.” This fit perfectly with the clue, as it not only completed the phrase but also reflected the catchy and vibrant nature of Santana’s music. The word “Oye” adds a sense of urgency, almost demanding the listener’s attention and engagement, mirroring the thrilling nature of a crossword puzzle.

With this insight, I confidently deduced that the missing word in the crossword clue was “Oye.” It not only fit the puzzle’s structure but also aligned harmoniously with the era, artist, and style of the hit song. This fantastic discovery confirmed my detective instincts while unraveling the clue, revealing the answer that had been cunningly concealed in the crossword’s labyrinth.