De Colores

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De Colores is a traditional folk song that is well known throughout the Spanish-speaking world. The song was brought to the Americas from Spain during the 16th century. In modern times, the song is widely used in the Cursillo movement, is an unofficial anthem for the United Farm Workers union, and frequently appears in collections of children's songs.

The words of the song are an expression of joy and a celebration of all creation with its many bright colors. The four verses listed below are the most commonly used.

De colores, de colores se visten los campos en la primavera

De colores, de colores son los pajaritos que vienen de afuera

De colores, de colores es el arco iris que vemos lucir

Y por eso los grandes amores de muchos colores me gustan a mí

Canta el gallo, canta el gallo con el quiri quiri quiri quiri quiri

La gallina, la gallina con el cara cara cara cara cara

Los polluelos, los polluelos con el pío pío pío pío pío pí

Y por eso los grandes amores de muchos colores me gustan a mí

De colores, de colores brillantes y finos se viste la aurora

De colores, de colores son los mil reflejos que el sol atesora

De colores, de colores se viste el diamante que vemos lucir

Y por eso los grandes amores de muchos colores me gustan a mí

Jubilosos, jubilosos vivamos en gracia puesto que se puede

Saciaremos, saciaremos la sed ardorosa del Rey que no muere

Jubilosos, jubilosos llevemos a Cristo un alma y mil más

Difundiendo la luz que ilumina la gracia divina del gran ideal

Dozens of other verses (and variations of these four) are known to exist. Some of these include either overt religious references or language associated with its use as a rallying song for farm laborers. There have been numerous translations of the song into English and other languages. De Colores has been recorded by many different artists, including Los Lobos, Joan Baez, Raffi, Nana Mouskouri, Tish Hinojosa, and Arlo Guthrie.