El Adivinador

María Elena Walsh's 'El Adivinador' is a playful and imaginative song that delves into the interactions between personified elements of nature. The song's lyrics depict a series of encounters between anthropomorphic natural entities, each with its own distinct personality and concerns. The exchanges are whimsical and carry a tone of light-hearted banter, which is characteristic of Walsh's style, known for her children's literature and songs that often contain deeper meanings and social commentary.

Each verse of 'El Adivinador' introduces a new character, such as Señora Nube Blanca (Mrs. White Cloud) and Don Humo (Mr. Smoke), who engage in a brief dialogue. The conversations are humorous and reveal the characters' quirks, such as Don Humo being called dirty or Don Sol (Mr. Sun) being told he's too old. The repeated chorus, 'Adivinador, adivina / Adivina, adivinador,' which translates to 'Fortune teller, guess / Guess, fortune teller,' suggests a playful challenge to the listener to predict or interpret the responses of these characters.

The song's charm lies in its ability to entertain while subtly reflecting on human nature and relationships. The interactions between the natural elements can be seen as metaphors for human social dynamics, with each character displaying traits such as pride, embarrassment, and jealousy. Walsh's work often encourages children to think critically and creatively, and 'El Adivinador' is no exception, as it invites listeners to engage with the narrative and draw their own conclusions about the characters' exchanges.