Los Peces en el Río
Manolo Escobar Lyrics

The lyrics of Manolo Escobar’s song, Los Peces en el Rio, describe the scene of the Virgin Mary going about her daily activities of combing her hair, washing and hanging clothes, and taking a walk with her son, Jesus. The imagery is peaceful and serene, with mentions of shimmering gold and silver, blooming romero (rosemary), and singing birds. However, the chorus is somewhat unexpected, shifting the focus to the river and the fishes that drink from it, as they eagerly anticipate the birth of Jesus. The repetition of “Beben y beben y vuelven a beber” (They drink and drink and drink again) emphasizes the excitement and joy that the coming of Jesus brings to all creatures, even those in the river.

The song is rich in symbolism and evokes a sense of wonder and anticipation associated with Christmas. The Virgen represents motherhood, purity, and love, while the river and the fishes are a metaphor for the universe and its inhabitants. The idea that the fishes would drink water and then want to drink more, simply to witness the birth of Jesus, speaks to the powerful impact that the arrival of Jesus had on the world.

Overall, Los Peces en el Rio is a beautiful and reflective song that captures the spirit of Christmas, reminding us of the importance of celebrating this special time with loved ones and reflecting on the wonder and miracle of the birth of Jesus.