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.
Campanita Y Juan Pestañas
Cri-Cri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
¡No lo sé!
Las campanas don din dan
repicando lo dirán.
¿Qué horas son?
¡Yo no sé!
Cuando oigas
es que son las 6 al fin.
En la torre el tecolote
ya se despertó. ¡uh, uh!
El cuclillo del reloj
respondió ¡cu cú!
¿Que horas son?
¡Son las seis!
Las campanas
dan din doon
te lo dicen en canción.
Buenas noches,
Hasta mañana,
que Juan Pestañas
ya va a llegar.
El viejito de los sueños
bonitos cuentos
te contará.
Buenas noches,
Hasta mañana,
que Juan Pestañas
ya va a venir.
¡Ponte tu pijama
y métete a la cama¡,
porque ya es la hora de dormir.
The lyrics of Cri-Cri's song "Campanita Y Juan Pestañas" describe the passing of time and the routine of going to sleep. The first stanza depicts the uncertainty of the time of day but suggests that the ringing of the bells will reveal the answer. The second stanza narrows down the time to 6 o'clock based on the call of a bird and the chiming of a clock. The chorus repeats the time and the bells' ringing as a confirmation of the hour.
In the third stanza, the singer bids farewell to the listeners, saying that Juan Pestañas, a character known for telling good stories, will arrive soon. The fourth stanza is a final reminder to prepare for bed, putting on pajamas and getting into bed because it is time to sleep. The song is repetitive, with simple lyrics and catchy melodies, making it a favorite among children.
Overall, the song emphasizes the importance of following a routine and establishing regular sleep patterns. It also introduces the character of Juan Pestañas, who became a popular figure in Hispanic folklore known for telling bedtime stories.
Line by Line Meaning
¿Qué horas son?
What time is it?
¡No lo sé!
I don't know!
Las campanas don din dan
The bells are ringing
repicando lo dirán.
They will tell us when they stop ringing.
Cuando oigas
When you hear
dan don din
the bells are ringing
es que son las 6 al fin.
it means it's finally 6 o'clock.
En la torre el tecolote
In the tower, the owl
ya se despertó. ¡uh, uh!
has already woken up. Uh uh!
El cuclillo del reloj
The clock's cuckoo bird
respondió ¡cu cú!
replied 'cu cu!'
¿Que horas son?
What time is it?
¡Son las seis!
It's six o'clock!
Las campanas
The bells
dan din doon
are ringing and singing
te lo dicen en canción.
They tell you in a song.
Buenas noches,
Goodnight,
Hasta mañana,
See you tomorrow,
que Juan Pestañas
because Sleepyhead
ya va a llegar.
is about to arrive.
El viejito de los sueños
The old man of dreams
bonitos cuentos
will tell you beautiful stories
te contará.
before you go to sleep.
Buenas noches,
Goodnight,
Hasta mañana,
See you tomorrow,
que Juan Pestañas
because Sleepyhead
ya va a venir.
is about to come.
¡Ponte tu pijama
Put on your pajamas
y métete a la cama¡,
and get into bed,
porque ya es la hora de dormir.
because it's time to sleep.
Contributed by Madison V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.