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.
Marina
Cri-Cri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
engalanada de azahar,
envuelta en azul,
con picos de sal,
recorre el fin del mar.
Si la barquita se aleja,
o si navega hacia acá,
me basta con ver,
si al cabo se agranda o se va.
Rompe la ola al reventar.
Rompe de frente sin descansar.
Sobre la playa de suave arena
rompen y truenan las olas del mar.
¿Qué sentirá el marinero
cuando está solo en medio del mar,
entre las olas y el cielo,
siempre tan lejos
de su dulce hogar.
¿Qué sentirá cuando mira
un rayo que gira
cambiando de luz,
el parpadeo constante
del faro brillante
que está en Veracruz.
Rompe la ola al reventar.
Rompe de frente sin descansar.
Sobre la playa de suave arena
rompen y truenan las olas del mar.
¿Qué sentirá el marinero
cuando está solo enmedio del mar,
entre las olas y el cielo,
siempre tan lejos
de su dulce hogar.
¿Qué sentirá cuando mira
un rayo que gira
cambiando de luz,
el parpadeo constante
del faro brillante
que está en Veracruz.
Rompe la ola al reventar.
Rompe de frente sin descansar.
Sobre la playa de suave arena
rompen y truenan las olas del mar.
Cri-Cri's song Marina is a beautiful ode to the sea and those who sail it. The opening stanza describes a sailboat adorned with orange blossoms and surrounded by the blue sea, with the peaks of salt water crashing around it. As the boat sails into view, the lyrics contemplate its destination, wondering if it's coming or going, and whether it will grow larger or smaller as it fades into the horizon. These initial verses set the mood of the song, with the singer marveling at the vastness and mystery of the ocean, and the courage of those who choose to navigate its waters.
The next section of the song takes a more introspective turn, wondering what the sailor alone at sea feels when surrounded by the rolling waves and vast expanse of sky. The lyrics imagine the loneliness and distance that must come with being so far from home and loved ones, while also highlighting the beauty and awe-inspiring power of natural phenomena such as lightning and lighthouses. Throughout the song, the crashing waves are a constant and ever-present force, serving as a reminder of the ocean's majesty and danger.
Overall, the song Marina is a powerful tribute to the sea and those who choose to explore it. It captures the sense of wonder and mystery that surrounds the ocean, as well as the bravery and loneliness experienced by those who sail it.
Line by Line Meaning
Una barquita de vela
A small sailing boat
engalanada de azahar,
Decorated with orange blossoms
envuelta en azul,
Wrapped in blue
con picos de sal,
With salt peaks
recorre el fin del mar.
Navigating to the ends of the sea
Si la barquita se aleja,
If the boat sails away
o si navega hacia acá,
Or if it sails towards me
no puedo saber,
I can't know
me basta con ver,
I am content to see
si al cabo se agranda o se va.
If it grows closer or departs
Rompe la ola al reventar.
The wave breaks as it crashes
Rompe de frente sin descansar.
It breaks head-on relentlessly
Sobre la playa de suave arena
On the soft sandy beach
rompen y truenan las olas del mar.
The waves of the sea break and roar
¿Qué sentirá el marinero
What does the sailor feel
cuando está solo en medio del mar,
When he is alone in the middle of the sea
entre las olas y el cielo,
Between the waves and the sky
siempre tan lejos
Always so far away
de su dulce hogar.
From his sweet home.
¿Qué sentirá cuando mira
What does he feel when he looks at
un rayo que gira
A lighthouse beam that spins
cambiando de luz,
Changing its light
el parpadeo constante
The constant blinking
del faro brillante
Of the shining lighthouse
que está en Veracruz.
That is in Veracruz.
Contributed by Nathaniel E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.