Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a serene, intimate portrait of the Virgin Mary, first grooming, then washing. Amidst these quiet, domestic scenes, a surprising natural phenomenon unfolds. Fish in the river are drinking, seemingly in celebration. It's a blend of the mundane and the miraculous.
The core idea here isn't conflict, but rather the pervasive joy and wonder surrounding a divine birth. The lyrics establish a contrast between the Virgin's humble actions, such as "peinando" (combing) and "lavendo" (washing), and the profound significance of the event she's connected to. Her "cabellos son de oro" and "peine de plata fina" elevate her, suggesting a sacred beauty even in everyday tasks.
The most striking craft element is the sudden, almost whimsical, shift in focus to the "peces en el rio." This unexpected perspective broadens the scope of celebration beyond human or angelic observers. The repeated phrase, "Pero mira como beben," acts as a direct invitation to witness this unusual spectacle, emphasizing the fish's continuous, eager action: "Beben y beben / Y vuelven a beber."
This lyrical choice makes the divine birth feel universally impactful, suggesting even the simplest creatures are moved by its arrival. By juxtaposing the Virgin's quiet domesticity with the lively, almost frantic, drinking of the fish and the "angelitos cantando," the lyrics create a vivid tapestry of reverence and joy. It suggests that the sacred permeates every aspect of existence, from the celestial to the aquatic, making the event feel both grand and intimately observed.