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.
El Negrito Bailarin
Cri-Cri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
será todo para ti.
Dulce no es, fruta no es,
nieve tampoco es ...
Si me dices lo que será
te pertenecerá,
piensa despacito
para adivinar ...
Abre la caja
es un juguete
de hoja de lata
para ti ...
¡Un negrito bailarín
de bastón y con bombín,
con clavel en el ojal,
pero que se porta mal!
¡Hey amigo, lo compré
para ve' bailar a uste',
perezoso mueva los pies!
Dale cuerda y ya verás
como se acuerda y puede bailar ...
¡Morenito, vamo a ve'
si por fin se anima uste',
y no' baila algo de tap!
¡Un negrito bailarín
de bastón y con bombín,
con clavel en el ojal,
pero que se porta mal!
¡Hey amigo, lo compré
para ve' bailar a uste',
perezoso mueva los pies!
Dale cuerda y ya verás
como se acuerda y puede bailar ...
¡Morenito, vamo a ve'
si por fin se anima uste',
y no' baila algo de tap!
The lyrics of Cri-Cri's song "El Negrito Bailarín" talk about a toy that the singer has brought for someone special. The toy is described as not being sweet, not being fruit, and not being snow. The singer encourages the listener to guess what the toy could be, promising that it will belong to them if they guess correctly. The chorus goes on to describe the toy as a dancing little black man with a cane, a top hat, and a carnation in his lapel, who misbehaves. The singer invites the listener to wind up the toy and watch him dance, encouraging them to dance along.
The song is cheerful and playful, with a catchy tone and rhythm. It is a nostalgic song that transports listeners to a different time and place, featuring descriptive imagery and an upbeat melody. The lyrics encourage imagination and creativity, inviting the listener to guess what the toy could be and encouraging them to move and dance.
Line by Line Meaning
Si sospechas que traigo aquí
será todo para ti.
If you suspect that I have brought something here, it's all for you.
Dulce no es, fruta no es,
nieve tampoco es ...
It's not something sweet, nor a fruit, nor is it snow...
Si me dices lo que será
te pertenecerá,
piensa despacito
para adivinar ...
If you tell me what it is, it will be yours. Take your time to guess...
Abre la caja
es un juguete
de hoja de lata
para ti ...
Open the box, it's a toy made of tin, just for you...
¡Un negrito bailarín
de bastón y con bombín,
con clavel en el ojal,
pero que se porta mal!
A dancing little black man, with a cane and top hat, and a carnation in his buttonhole, but he misbehaves!
¡Hey amigo, lo compré
para ve' bailar a uste',
perezoso mueva los pies!
Hey buddy, I bought it to see you dance, so move your lazy feet!
Dale cuerda y ya verás
como se acuerda y puede bailar ...
Wind it up and you will see how he remembers and can dance...
¡Morenito, vamo a ve'
si por fin se anima uste',
y no' baila algo de tap!
Hey little dark-skinned one, let's see if you finally get excited and dance some tap!
¡Un negrito bailarín
de bastón y con bombín,
con clavel en el ojal,
pero que se porta mal!
A dancing little black man, with a cane and top hat, and a carnation in his buttonhole, but he misbehaves!
¡Hey amigo, lo compré
para ve' bailar a uste',
perezoso mueva los pies!
Hey buddy, I bought it to see you dance, so move your lazy feet!
Dale cuerda y ya verás
como se acuerda y puede bailar ...
Wind it up and you will see how he remembers and can dance...
¡Morenito, vamo a ve'
si por fin se anima uste',
y no' baila algo de tap!
Hey little dark-skinned one, let's see if you finally get excited and dance some tap!
Contributed by Liliana H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.