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 Reloj
Cri-Cri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
las horas del reloj
bailan de la mano
junto al piano
con esta canción.
Dan, din, dón
todas viene a cantar
dán, din, dón.
El cielo va girando
mientras ellas
cantan sin cesar;
las pálidas estrellas
van cambiando de lugar.
Dan,din, dón
las horas del reloj
todas vienen a cantar
¡dán, din, dó!
En tiempos muy remotos
ya bailaban
con este cantar;
los niños de mis niños
nunca las verán parar.
Dan,din, dón
las horas del reloj
todas vienen a cantar
¡dán, din, dó!
"El Reloj" is a song by Mexican songwriter and composer Gabilondo Soler, popularly known as Cri-Cri. The song describes the hours on a clock, personifying them as dancing along to the tune being played on a piano. The lyrics go on to describe how the sky is constantly moving, while the hours on a clock continue to sing their song. The song highlights the playful and imaginative world of children’s songs and the importance of cherishing the small moments in time that make up our daily lives. It also highlights the timeless nature of music and how it can transcend generations.
The lyrics of "El Reloj" suggest that time can be personified as a playful element in our lives, rather than a restrictive concept. The song’s melody is upbeat and catchy, utilizing repetitive sounds to create a playful rhythm that is easy for children to sing along to. Cri-Cri uses this song to emphasize how the simple act of enjoying music can create memories that can be passed down for generations. The song’s use of celestial imagery, such as the stars, creates a whimsical atmosphere that is meant to inspire a sense of wonder in listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Dan, din, dón
The ticking sound of the clock marks the passing of time.
las horas del reloj
The hours of the clock are passing by so quickly.
bailan de la mano
They move hand in hand, in a rhythmic motion like a dance.
junto al piano
The piano is the source of the accompanying music.
con esta canción.
The song that is being played along with the ticking is this.
todas viene a cantar
All the hours join in on the song, each contributing its unique frequency.
El cielo va girando
The earth rotates and the sky appears to be moving around us.
mientras ellas
While the hours continue their metronomic rhythm.
cantan sin cesar;
They sing without interruption, like an eternal chorus.
las pálidas estrellas
The dimly lit stars in the sky.
van cambiando de lugar.
Appear to be moving in relation to the Earth's rotation.
En tiempos muy remotos
This song has been around for a long time, dating back to ancient times.
ya bailaban
Even then, the hours had a synchronized dance with the song.
con este cantar;
This song has always been the soundtrack to the passage of time.
los niños de mis niños
Future generations will not witness this dance and the song that comes with time.
nunca las verán parar.
The hours will continue to tick and the song will never cease even for a moment.
Contributed by Sadie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.