Cri-Cri is known as the "grillito cantor" or "the singing cricket". He is a character created by Francisco Gabilondo Soler in his childhood and may even be considered "his inner personality"
The character became so famous and gave its author such renown, that it became a second name for Gabilondo. In the mid part of the 20th century he became the most recognizable singer of children's songs in Spanish. Gabilondo's dedication to this segment of the population has been greatly admired, comparable to Walt Disney in his honest approach to making life fun for those who are getting started in life.
Raton Vaquero
Cri-Cri Lyrics
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Con sus dos pistolas y su traje de cowboy
Ha de ser gringuito porque siempre habla inglés
A más de ser güerito y tener grandes los pies
El ratón vaquero saco sus pistolas
Se inclinó el sombrero y me dijo a solas
What the heck is this house
For a manly cowboy mouse
Hello you let me out
And don't catch me like a trout
Con que sí, ya se ve
Que no estás a gusto ahí
Y aunque hables inglés no te dejaré salir
Tras las fuertes rejas que resguardan la prisión
Mueve las orejas implorando compasión
Dice el muy ladino que se va a reformar
Y aunque me hable en chino, pues ni así lo he de soltar
El ratón vaquero tiró dos balazos
Se chupó las balas, y cruzó los brazos
What the heck is this house
For a manly cowboy mouse
Hello you let me out
And don't catch me like a trout
Con que sí, ya se ve
Que no estás a gusto ahí
Y aunque hables inglés no te dejaré salir
The song "El Ratón Vaquero" by Mexican children's music composer Francisco Gabilondo Soler, also known as Cri-Cri, tells the story of a cowboy mouse who has been trapped in a mousetrap. The lyrics describe the mouse as having two guns and wearing a cowboy outfit, leading the singer to believe he must be American because he speaks English and has big feet. The mouse pleads to the singer to let him out, but the singer refuses, despite the mouse insisting he has reformed his ways and even speaking Chinese to prove his point.
The lyrics of the song playfully toy with stereotypes of American cowboys and Mexicans, as well as themes of justice and redemption. The mouse, despite his small size and status as a pest, represents an underdog fighting to escape a situation in which he feels trapped and oppressed. The cowboy outfit and guns symbolize dreams of heroism and freedom, while the language and accent of the mouse play with notions of cultural identity and belonging.
Overall, "El Ratón Vaquero" can be interpreted as a lighthearted tale of struggle and defiance, which resonates with both children and adults as a catchy and witty tune. As one of Cri-Cri's most famous songs, it has become a cultural icon in Mexico and Latin America, beloved by generations of listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
En la ratonera ha caído un ratón
A mouse has fallen into the mousetrap
Con sus dos pistolas y su traje de cowboy
Wearing cowboy attire with two guns
Ha de ser gringuito porque siempre habla inglés
He must be American because he always speaks English
A más de ser güerito y tener grandes los pies
In addition to being light-skinned with big feet
El ratón vaquero saco sus pistolas
The cowboy mouse draws his guns
Se inclinó el sombrero y me dijo a solas
Tipping his hat, he spoke to me privately
Tras las fuertes rejas que resguardan la prisión
Behind the strong bars guarding the prison
Mueve las orejas implorando compasión
Moving his ears, begging for mercy
Dice el muy ladino que se va a reformar
The cunning mouse says he will reform
Y aunque me hable en chino, pues ni así lo he de soltar
And even if he speaks Chinese, he will not be released
El ratón vaquero tiró dos balazos
The cowboy mouse fired two shots
Se chupo las balas, y cruzó los brazos
He sucked in the bullets and crossed his arms
Con que sí, ya se ve
So it seems
Que no estás a gusto ahí
That you're not comfortable there
Y aunque hables inglés no te dejaré salir
And even though you speak English, I won't let you out
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Francisco Gabilondo Soler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind