Basic vocabulary, classic melody – wonderful song for Spanish language learners

Escucha, hermano, canción, alegre, nuevo, día, ven, canta, sol, vive, estrellas: these words could come from any picture book or a basic vocabulary list, but they are the words in a classic Spanish song. Miguel Ríos recorded  Himno a la alegría in 1969. It became popular all over the Spanish-speaking world and has since been recorded by many artists. Choirs of all ages still sing this song at many different events, and it is one that most Spanish-speakers know. Amado Regueiro Rodríguez wrote the song and based it on the last movement of Beethoven’s 9th symphony. Although not strictly a children’s song, the familiar tune and common vocabulary make it a good song for children learning Spanish. The song is considered a general call for peace, although the words can be interpreted to fit with Christian beliefs that are a part of the culture of Spain and Latin America.

This video is of Miguel Ríos, Ana Belén, Victor Manuel, and Joan Manuel Serrat singing Himno a la alegría. These are four of the most famous artists in Spain. There are performances by many others, and by many children’s choirs, available too.

The lyrics and a translation follow the video. The translation is word-for-word, with no attempt to conserve the rhythm or rhyme of the song. I provided it for meaning only, because it is helpful to parents who are learning Spanish with their children.

Escucha hermano / Listen brother
la canción de la alegría, / to the song of joy
el canto alegre del que espera / the joyful song of one who waits for
un nuevo día. / a new day.
Ven, canta, sueña cantando, / come, sing, dream singing,
vive soñando el nuevo sol / live dreaming the new sun
en que los hombres / in which men
volverán a ser hermanos.  / will be brothers again.

Ven, canta, sueña cantando, / come, sing, dream singing,
vive soñando el nuevo sol / live dreaming the new sun
en que los hombres / in which men
volverán a ser hermanos.  / will be brothers again

Si en tu camino solo existe la tristeza / If in your path there is only sadness
y el llanto amargo / and the bitter cry
de la soledad completa / of complete loneliness

Ven, canta, sueña cantando, / come, sing, dream singing,
vive soñando el nuevo sol / live dreaming the new sun
en que los hombres / in which men
volverán a ser hermanos.  / will be brothers again

Si es que no encuentras / If you don’t find
la alegría en esta tierra / happiness on this earth
búscala hermano más allá / look for it brother beyond
de las estrellas / the stars

Ven, canta, sueña cantando, / come, sing, dream singing,
vive soñando el nuevo sol / live dreaming the new sun
en que los hombres / in which men
volverán a ser hermanos.  / will be brothers again