Tish Hinojosa (born December 6, 1955 San Antonio, Texas) is a folksinger re… Read Full Bio ↴Tish Hinojosa (born December 6, 1955 San Antonio, Texas) is a folksinger recording in both Spanish and English. Hinojosa was the youngest of 13 children.

From the White House to el barrio, Tish Hinojosa has enchanted, enlightened and entertained countless listeners with her distinctive cross-cultural music. In the process, she has become one of the most acclaimed and beloved artists in the contemporary Latin and folk scene. With a purity of voice and a vision that also embraces pop, rock, tejano and international styles into her music, she reflects modern America's multicultural richness with sincerity, heart and a winning musicality.

Family, music and a multicultural perspective were hallmarks of Hinojosa's years growing up in San Antonio, where she began performing as a teen. Alongside the traditional Mexican songs she inherited from her parents, she was inspired by the pop and rock artists she and her older siblings listened to along with the folk revival of the early 1960s. Performing in her hometown as well as doing stints in Taos and Nashville, she eventually landed in the renowned Austin, TX music scene. Her debut album, "Homeland", found Hinojosa weaving all the threads of her musical ethos into a stunning tapestry that immediately put her on the international musical map. With her release, "Culture Swing", Hinojosa won the NAIRD Award for Best Folk Album.

Over the eleven subsequent releases, countless tours of North America and Europe, Hinojosa developed a loving and loyal audience and has explored a wide range of musical expression. Her music and social activism has won her numerous awards and accolades, including recognition by Fox TV's Bravo Honors and a Las Primeras (The Firsts) Award from MANA, the largest organization of Latina women. Hinojosa is frequently asked to appear at events, make cultural contributions and work on behalf of children, bilingual education, civil liberties, immigration, farm workers, multicultural organizations, and other humanitarian causes. Recent examples include: the National Bilingual Educators conference; the National Council of La Raza's conference, including performances at the event recognizing Latinas; the National Latino Children's Agenda, honoring the work of Latino legislators; a Capitol Hill reception publicizing the plight of Latino children during Hispanic Heritage Week, in Washington, DC; the Hispanic Women in Leadership's national conference; local spokesperson, PSA's, and events for Any Baby Can which provides aid to families of children with chronic illness or handicaps; a reception at the MAFO (farm worker organizations coalition) conference. She performed at the Hispanic Gala and at other events at the 1993 inauguration of the President of the United States and for the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Conference. Tish was also invited to perform at The White House for President and Mrs. Clinton.

Linda Ronstadt has recorded Hinojosa’s songs among many others. She has recorded with Lucinda Williams, Joan Baez, Dwight Yoakum, Kris Kristofferson, Albert Lee and Nancy Griffith to name just a few. Along the way, Tish has performed with various eminent symphonies throughout the United States. Her albums have been favorites on radio stations around the world, consistently winning critical praise and making annual Top 10 lists both nationally and internationally. Her appeal reaches both Anglo and Hispanic listeners. Since 1996, Tish has forged a separate career as a children's music artist with the release of “Cada Niño” (Every Child) CD and illustrated songbook in Spanish and English. The 2005 release of “A Heart Wide Open” has added to her stature as an American musical treasure.

Official site: http://www.mundotish.com/

Barnyard Dance
Tish Hinojosa Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It was late one night in the pale moonlight
all the vegetables gave a spree
they put up a sign said the dance is at 9
and all the admissions were free
there were peas and greens
cabbage and beans
it was the biggest sight you ever did see
When old man cucumber

struck up that number
you should've heard the vegetables scream
Well little turnip top did the backwards flop
the cabbage shook the shimmy
and she could not stop
and the little red beet shook his feet
Watermelon died of the cock eyed heat
Little tomata agitata
shook the shimmy with the sweet potata

and old man garlic dropped dead of the colic
down at the barnyard dance

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tish Hinojosa's song "Barnyard Dance" create a playful and whimsical scene in which vegetables come to life and gather for a dance party. The song begins by setting the atmosphere, describing a late night illuminated by the pale moonlight. The vegetables, feeling a sense of excitement, put up a sign announcing that the dance will begin at 9 and that admission is free.

As the scene unfolds, the listener is introduced to a diverse array of vegetables who have come to participate in the dance. Peas, greens, cabbage, and beans are all present, creating a vibrant and colorful sight. The spectacle is overwhelming, with the sheer number and variety of vegetables coming together for this event.

The lyrics then focus on the music that sets the dancers in motion. Old man cucumber strikes up a lively tune, causing the vegetables to scream in excitement. Each vegetable responds in their own unique way to the music, showcasing their individual traits. The little turnip top performs a backwards flop, adding a touch of humor to the dance. The cabbage shakes and shimmies uncontrollably, unable to stop. The little red beet energetically moves his feet, while the watermelon succumbs to the heat of the dance, metaphorically "dying" from the excitement.

The final verse introduces two more characters, the tomato and the potato. The tomato, referred to as "little tomata agitata," dances with enthusiasm alongside the potato, referred to as the sweet potata. Their partnership adds a joyful and energetic element to the dance. In contrast, old man garlic, overcome by the colic, is so moved by the celebration that he drops dead right there at the barnyard dance.

Overall, these lyrics paint a vivid picture of a whimsical and lively event where vegetables come alive and dance their hearts out, showcasing their individuality and bringing joy and laughter to the barnyard. The song captures the spirit of celebration and the sheer delight of letting loose and embracing the joy of music and dance.

Line by Line Meaning

It was late one night in the pale moonlight
Under the dim light of the moon, it was late at night

all the vegetables gave a spree
All the vegetables were filled with excitement

they put up a sign said the dance is at 9
A sign was displayed indicating the dance would occur at 9 o'clock

and all the admissions were free
Entry to the dance was without charge

there were peas and greens
Various kinds of peas and leafy vegetables were present

cabbage and beans
Cabbage and beans were also in attendance

it was the biggest sight you ever did see
The scene was astonishing and grand

When old man cucumber
An elderly cucumber named old man cucumber

struck up that number
Began playing a lively tune

you should've heard the vegetables scream
The vegetables reacted with excitement and made loud noises

Well little turnip top did the backwards flop
A small turnip named turnip top performed a backwards dance move