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.
Marcha de las Letras
Cri-Cri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ha sido la orden que dio el general.
Que todos los niños estén muy atentos,
las cinco vocales van a desfilar.
Primero verás que pasa la A,
con sus dos patitas muy abiertas al marchar;
ahí viene la E, alzando los pies,
aquí está la I, le sigue la O,
una flaca y otra gorda porque ya comió
y luego hasta atrás, llegó la U,
como la cuerda con que siempre saltas tú.
The lyrics of Cri-Cri's song Marcha De Las Letras encourages children to pay attention and learn as the vowels make their way through a parade. The lyrics suggest that the general has ordered for all the books to be left open, indicating that the importance of reading and learning. The five vowels, A, E, I, O, and U, are personified as characters who march in a parade while showing off their distinct characteristics.
The song starts with the letter A, who marches with its legs wide apart. The letter E comes next, lifting its feet while its stem is shorter than the A. The letter I follows and is succeeded by the O, which is portrayed as heavyset, probably due to the circular shape. Finally, the letter U is described as being last in the parade, similar to the rope that children jump with. The lyrics could be interpreted as a playful and imaginative way of teaching children how to identify and differentiate between the vowels.
Overall, Cri-Cri's Marcha De Las Letras is a lively and upbeat song that encourages children to open their minds and learn. The lyrics are simple yet effective in helping children to identify and remember the different vowels. It is a fun and memorable way of teaching children the basics of the alphabet.
Line by Line Meaning
Que dejen toditos los libros abiertos,
All the books must be left open, the general has ordered.
ha sido la orden que dio el general.
The order to leave all the books open was given by the general.
Que todos los niños estén muy atentos,
All the children should be very attentive.
las cinco vocales van a desfilar.
The five vowels are going to parade.
Primero verás que pasa la A,
First, you will see A passing by.
con sus dos patitas muy abiertas al marchar;
A has two legs opened while marching.
ahí viene la E, alzando los pies,
Here comes E, lifting its feet.
el palo de enmedio es más chico, como ves;
The middle stick is smaller, as you can see.
aquí está la I, le sigue la O,
Here comes I, followed by O.
una flaca y otra gorda porque ya comió
One is thin, and the other is fat because it has eaten.
y luego hasta atrás, llegó la U,
And then finally comes U, all the way in the back.
como la cuerda con que siempre saltas tú.
Like the rope that you always jump with.
Contributed by Grayson I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.