Canticuenticos

When N was first born, I avoided ‘kids’ music whenever I could–we jammed out to Rodrigo & Gabriela, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and, because it was of the times, What does the fox say? As N got older and I started really listening to some of the lyrics we’ve been singing along to (thank goodness Despacitos’ innuendo is still well over their heads) I started looking for quality kids’ music that had strong, empowering messages AND was something I could enjoy.

If you’ve never heard of Canticuenticos, then I’m pleased to introduce you. They are an Argentine group playing cumbias and all sorts of fun beats while singing progressive, kid-friendly lyrics. They have a YouTube channel with lots of their quirky videos, including ‘La cumbia del monstruo,’ which is really fun to dance to and fairly addictive.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFdUXU9ZGls&w=560&h=315]

Given that this video has 36 MILLION views, clearly I’m late to this game (although my own household is responsible for a hefty share of those views).

 

Arroz con leche se quiere casar… (Spanish kids’ songs)

We love music in our house and are constantly listening to and singing songs. We sing in all languages, but here are some of our favorite Spanish songs for kids and their lyrics. A few of these are also featured in one of my favorite childhood books Arroz con leche

Arroz con leche

Arroz con leche,
se quiere casar
con una viudita de la capital;
que sepa coser,
que sepa bordar,
que ponga la aguija en su campanal . . . .

Tilín, tilán,
sopita de pan,
allá viene Juan,
comiéndose el pan,
si no se lo dan,
se echa a llorar.

-Yo soy la viudita,
la hija del Rey,
me quiero casar y no encuentro con quién.

-Pues siendo tan bella,
no encuentras con quién,
escoge a tu gusto que aquí tienes quién.

(Señalando con el dedo)
-Contigo, sí, contigo, no
contigo mi vida, me casaré yo.

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