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.
Papá Elefante
Cri-Cri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
llegó Papá Elefante;
se aflojó su cinturón,
se soltó los dos tirantes.
Y Papá Elefante,
contento y barrigón,
se sirvió su sopa
Junto a él, un elefantito
estaba sentadito
sin comer, sólo jugueteaba
golpeando la cuchara.
A ver, hijito, si tomas tu sopa.
Y cuando comas no suenes la boca.
¡Pero papaíto,
es que no me gusta
sopas de lenteja ni frijol!
Yo quiero un pedacito
que sea muy grandote
de aquel pastelote
de limón.
The song "Papá Elefante" by Cri-Cri describes a father elephant who is leisurely eating his soup while his son is distracted by playing with his spoon. The lyrics detail how the father elephant loosens his belt and suspender straps to accommodate his full belly as he happily eats. Meanwhile, his son is sitting next to him playing with his spoon and refusing to eat his soup. The father encourages his son to eat and not make smacking noises while doing so. The son protests, stating that he does not like the lentil or bean soup and instead wants a large piece of lemon cake. In essence, the song portrays a simple scene of a parent trying to get their child to eat something healthy while the child protests and pushes for something sweeter or more indulgent.
The song's message highlights the common struggle many parents face when trying to get their children to eat healthy meals. The lyrics are written in a playful and humorous tone that makes it relatable to both children and adults. The song's melody is light-hearted and catchy, reminiscent of traditional Mexican children's music. By using an elephant as the central character, the song may also be interpreted as a metaphor for a father's protective and nurturing qualities towards his child.
Line by Line Meaning
Tempranito a comer
Early in the morning for breakfast
llegó Papá Elefante;
Papa Elephant arrived;
se aflojó su cinturón,
He loosened his belt,
se soltó los dos tirantes.
and unfastened both suspenders.
Y Papá Elefante,
And Papa Elephant,
contento y barrigón,
Happy and plump,
se sirvió su sopa
He served himself some soup
con el cucharón.
with a ladle.
Junto a él, un elefantito
Next to him, a little elephant
estaba sentadito
was sitting down
sin comer, sólo jugueteaba
not eating, just playing
golpeando la cuchara.
and tapping his spoon.
A ver, hijito, si tomas tu sopa.
Let's see, little one, if you eat your soup.
Y cuando comas no suenes la boca.
And when you eat, don't make noise with your mouth.
¡Pero papaíto,
But Daddy,
es que no me gusta
I just don't like
sopas de lenteja ni frijol!
Lentil soup or bean soup!
Yo quiero un pedacito
I want a piece
que sea muy grandote
that is very big
de aquel pastelote
of that big cake
de limón.
made with lemon.
Contributed by Abigail V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.