Negrito Sandía

The song 'Negrito Sandía' by Cri-Cri, a stage name for Francisco Gabilondo Soler, a Mexican composer known for his children's songs, tells a cautionary tale about a young boy with an angelic face but a penchant for using foul language. The lyrics are a narrative, addressing the boy directly and warning him about the consequences of his bad behavior. The song uses the character of 'Negrito Sandía' to convey a moral lesson, which is typical of Cri-Cri's storytelling approach in his music.

The song's chorus, 'Negrito sandía, Ya no diga picardía,' translates to 'Little black watermelon, stop saying naughty things,' and serves as a refrain throughout the song, emphasizing the central message. The use of 'Negrito' and 'sandía' (watermelon) could be interpreted as racial stereotypes, which reflects the time when the song was written, a period less sensitive to racial connotations. The lyrics suggest that if the boy does not change his ways, he will face punishment and social rejection. The song uses humor and exaggeration, common in Cri-Cri's work, to illustrate the potential repercussions of the boy's rudeness.

The song also touches on themes of growing up and the importance of good manners. It warns that if the boy continues with his behavior, he will face difficulties in adult society, such as being thrown out of a window for being rude to a marquis. The song's narrative aims to teach children the value of politeness and the social consequences of not adhering to societal norms of respect and courtesy.