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.
Chinescas
Cri-Cri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
con las cosas de tu país:
prenden farolitos,
comen con palitos,
tienen chata la nariz.
Quisiera ser mandarín
con bigotes de tallarín,
trenza y abanico
y chinelas de Pekín.
En la pagoda del dragón
me gustaría jugar ping-pong.
Oh, qué bonito sería poder
ser chinito como eres tú!
Tener mi chinita
de ojos de almendrita
y una casa de bambú.
The lyrics to Cri-Cri's song "Chinescas" speak to a fascination with Chinese culture, and a desire to emulate the lifestyle and traditions of the Chinese people. The first verse speaks to the joy that a little Chinese boy would feel experiencing the customs of his country, such as lighting lanterns, eating with chopsticks, and having a flat nose. The second verse dreams of becoming a Mandarin, complete with noodle mustache, rich clothing, braided hair, an abanico (fan), and chinelas (slippers) from Pekín. The song ends with a wish to be a Chinese person like the one being sung to, with a Chinese girlfriend with almond-shaped eyes, and a house made of bamboo.
The song is playful and innocent, expressing a curiosity and admiration for another culture. However, it is also reflective of a time when cultural appropriation was not yet recognized as problematic. The lyrics reflect a stereotypical and limited view of Chinese culture, reducing it to visual and material symbols rather than acknowledging its complexity and diversity.
Interestingly, "Chinescas" was originally released in 1954 as a children's song in Mexico, but it later became popular in adult circles, eventually becoming one of Cri-Cri's most recognizable tunes. Its catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics have made it a beloved classic in Latin American music.
Line by Line Meaning
Chinito sería feliz con las cosas de tu país: prenden farolitos, comen con palitos, tienen chata la nariz.
The person would be happy if they were Chinese because they have their own unique traditions such as lighting lanterns, using chopsticks while eating, and having distinct facial features.
Quisiera ser mandarín con bigotes de tallarín, un vestido rico, trenza y abanico y chinelas de Pekín.
The person desires to be a Chinese mandarin with a distinct appearance such as a long noodle moustache, wearing rich clothes, having a braid and an elegant fan, and shoes from the capital of China.
En la pagoda del dragón me gustaría jugar ping-pong.
Playing ping-pong in the dragon's pagoda would be an enjoyable experience for the person.
Oh, qué bonito sería poder ser chinito como eres tú! Tener mi chinita de ojos de almendrita y una casa de bambú.
The person thinks it would be wonderful to look like a Chinese person, like the one in this song, having almond-shaped eyes and living in a house made out of bamboo.
Contributed by Luke T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.