Parchis was neither a boy or girl band, initially having four members, two from each gender. Eventually, the band expanded to have six members at the same time. Gemma Prat, Oscar Ferrer Cañadas, Constantino Fernández Fernández better known as Tino (singer) and Yolanda Ventura Roman (daughter of the well known trompetist, Rudy Ventura) were the first four kids to be chosen as members of Parchis.
Parchis' first single, "En La Armada", was a Spanish version of the Village People's disco hit, "In the Navy". "En La Armada" became a major hit in Spain, giving way for a number of important music composers to start working with Parchis. "En La Armada" was followed by what was arguably the group's biggest hit, "Durante la Espera de Parchis" ("During Parchis' Wait"). This song became a number one hit in Argentina. Later on, the group also became successful in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and other Latin American countries.
Personal problems forced Oscar Ferrer Caňadas out of the band in 1981. He was substituted by Francisco Díaz Terez, known by fans simply as "Frank". Brothers Miguel Ángel (born in Germany) and Jesús Gómez Cambronero soon joined the band, which by then had six members at the same time.
Losing Oscar Ferrer Cañadas proved lethal to the group, however. With Menudo reaching unprecedented (for a Hispanic children's music group) success levels in Latin America as well as in Spain, and other Latin American groups like Los Chamos and Los Chicos also providing Parchis with competition, and with Ferrer Cañadas' cosiderable amount of fans gone, Parchis began to wane.
In Spain and Argentina in particular, however, the group remained popular enough to release a 1983 movie, "Parchis Entra en Acción" ("Parchis Gets Into Action"), alongside Alberto Fernández de Rosa.
In 1985, Parchis broke up. The group had recorded a number of albums that were successful in Spain and Latin America. More than a decade later, the group would reunite for one television show engagement.
Pastores Venid
Parchis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Un beso le dió en la cara,
Y el Niño Jesús le dijo,
"Que me pinchas con las barbas"
Pastores venid,
Pastores llegad,
Adorad al Niño, (bis)
Oiga usted Señor José
No le arrime usted la cara,
Que se va a asustar el Niño,
Con esas barbas tan largas.
Pastores venid,
Pastores llegad,
Adorad al Niño, (bis)
Que ha nacido ya.
The lyrics of Parchis's song Pastores Venid describe a charming interaction between San José, or Saint Joseph, and the baby Jesus. San José gives the infant a kiss on the face, which prompts the baby to exclaim in surprise, commenting on San José's beard. The song then transitions to a call for the shepherds to come and adore the newborn, who has just been born.
At the heart of this song lie the themes of adoration and the joy of the Christmas season. By exploring the relationship between San José and the infant Jesus, the song's lyrics showcase the love and tenderness that has become a hallmark of this religious occasion. The playful commentary on the length of San José's beard adds an element of fun to the song, but ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the humanity behind the religious figures of Christmas.
One interesting fact about Parchis's Pastores Venid is that it is a Spanish Christmas carol that has been performed since the 16th century. The song is often played during the holiday season in Latin America and Spain, particularly during the time leading up to Epiphany. The tune of the song is a traditional folk song that has been used for various versions of the song throughout history. Additionally, the band Parchis was known for their colorful costumes and lively performances, adding an extra layer of joy and excitement to the song when they performed it live.
Line by Line Meaning
San José al Niño Jesús,
Joseph gave a kiss to Baby Jesus on his face.
Un beso le dió en la cara,
Joseph showed his love for Baby Jesus by giving Him a kiss on His face.
Y el Niño Jesús le dijo,
Baby Jesus responded.
"Que me pinchas con las barbas"
"Your beard is poking me."
Pastores venid,
Shepherds come,
Pastores llegad,
Shepherds arrive,
Adorad al Niño, (bis)
Worship Baby Jesus, (repeat)
Que ha nacido ya.
Who has already been born.
Oiga usted Señor José
Listen, Mr. Joseph,
No le arrime usted la cara,
Don't get too close,
Que se va a asustar el Niño,
Or you will scare the Baby,
Con esas barbas tan largas.
With your long beard.
Writer(s): f.lapardi, r.rodo, a.zehcnas, c.moncada
Contributed by Charlie K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.