El Cuatro
Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan Lyrics


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Este es el cuatro mentado...
El rey de todo los sones,
Este es el cuatro mentado,
El rey de todo los sones...
Querido de las mujeres, apreciados de los hombres...
Querido de las mujeres, apreciados de los hombres...
Que de dóses, que de tréses, que de malillas y áces,
Que de dóses, que de tréses, que de malillas y áces,
Chinita que mal pagas, pero tú sabes lo que haces.
Chinita que mal pagas, pero tú sabes lo que haces.
Señora si usted quisiera hacerme una caridad
Señora si usted quisiera hacerme una caridad,




Partiera su rebozito, ay! me diera la mitad
Para hacerme un cotoncito, que ya vergüenza me da!

Overall Meaning

The song "El Cuatro" by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is a tribute to the cuatro, a small guitar-like instrument that is often used in traditional Mexican music. The lyrics describe the cuatro as the "king of all sones" - sones being a type of Mexican folk music that is often played with the cuatro. The song goes on to describe how the cuatro is beloved by both men and women, and how it is played in different rhythms and styles (represented by "doses," "treses," and various chord progressions).


The second half of the song becomes more personal, with the singer addressing a woman directly. He asks her if she would be willing to give him part of her shawl so he can make a small cotono (a Mexican garment similar to a tunic). He acknowledges that the woman may not be very generous (saying "Chinita que mal pagas"), but he also suggests that she knows what she's doing. The implication here is that the woman may be playing hard to get, and the singer is trying to win her favor by hinting that he needs her help.


Overall, "El Cuatro" is a celebration not just of the instrument itself, but of the broader musical culture that it represents. By highlighting the different rhythms and chord progressions that can be played on the cuatro, and by weaving in personal elements like the singer's request for the woman's shawl, the song captures the joy, passion, and improvisatory spirit of Mexican folk music.


Line by Line Meaning

Este es el cuatro mentado...
This is the famous cuatro, known as the king of all traditional Mexican music...


El rey de todo los sones,
...which is at the forefront of every mariachi performance, beckoning everyone to dance and sing!


Querido de las mujeres, apreciados de los hombres...
Adored by women, respected by men, this cuatro brings joy and merriment to all who listen!


Que de dóses, que de tréses, que de malillas y áces,
Be it in twos, threes, or with more complex chords, this cuatro sings out and enchants everyone with its melody and rhythm.


Chinita que mal pagas, pero tú sabes lo que haces.
Dearest girl, you may not pay me well, but I know you appreciate the music and enjoy dancing to it, and that is worth more than any coin!


Señora si usted quisiera hacerme una caridad...
Madam, if you would be so kind as to grant me a small favor, might you part with a bit of your shawl to help me make a small cloth, for I am embarrassed by my own threadbare clothes!


Partiera su rebozito, ay! me diera la mitad...
Please, part with your shawl, oh! and give me just a small piece, so I can make myself a new shirt, for I am ashamed of my current state!


Para hacerme un cotoncito, que ya vergüenza me da!
This will allow me to have a simple yet dignified garment, and I can play my cuatro with newfound confidence, without shame or worry!




Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Angelina Gonzalez

El mejor mariachi de México.Recuerdo cuando estaba en la primaria por los años 80' en los festivales bailabamos estos lindos sones, que recuerdos!!. arriba Jalisco México,,!desde San Diego ca

Estela Sanchez

No hay música mas alegre que los sones jaliscienses, arriba Jalisco!!! Mariachi Vargas maravilloso!!! Ésta es buena música, no como otras que están de moda

joel contreras

es correcto. esta es la musica mas hermosa.puros sones, y que toquen el relampago si senor como dijo vargas

Sonia Angelica Ucaranza

Mi papa Tomas Ucaranza oriundo de Otatlan jalisco por alla en los inicios del mariachi vargas era el guitarrista cuando el papa de Silvestre Vargas tambien tocaba no recuerdo su nombre solo se que le decian el Tejon . Amo esta musica me recuerda mi ninez

David Gonzalez

Gaspar Vargas.

Hector Manzo

Una pregunta, esta hermosa pieza en qué película aparece, gracias

juan manuel velázquez galicia

No hay como la alegría

Eugenio Armando Galván Pimentel

Es un verdadero placer escuchar las selecciones de mariachi que nos comparte sr. Tuco 25, es todo un conocedor de nuestras raíces musicales. Felicidades por su buen gusto y altruismo al compartirlas. Enhorabuena. !!

Eduardo Vela

Esta muy bonito

Guadalupe Lozano

Estupendo son jaliscience. Una chulada la musica mexicana!!! Y no te rajes Jaliscoooo!!!

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