A La Nanita Nana: Letra Y Acordes

Nov 13, 2025 by Alex Braham 34 views

Hey guys! Ever heard that super sweet lullaby, "A la Nanita Nana"? It's a classic, right? Perfect for rocking your little one to sleep or even for practicing some Spanish guitar. Today, we're diving deep into the lyrics and chords of this beautiful song. We'll break down the Spanish verses, translate them for you, and provide you with easy-to-follow guitar chords so you can sing and play along. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this song is a fantastic one to have in your repertoire. So grab your guitar, get comfortable, and let's explore the magic of "A la Nanita Nana" together!

The Heartwarming Story Behind "A la Nanita Nana"

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of lyrics and chords, let's chat a bit about the song itself. "A la Nanita Nana" is a traditional Spanish Christmas carol, often sung as a lullaby. Its origin is a bit fuzzy, as is common with many folk songs passed down through generations, but it's believed to have roots in Spain, likely Andalusia. The melody is incredibly gentle and soothing, designed to lull a baby to sleep. The title itself, "A la Nanita Nana," is an onomatopoeic phrase, mimicking the sound of a lullaby or a gentle rocking motion. It doesn't have a direct translation but evokes a sense of comfort and tenderness. The lyrics, simple yet profound, speak of a mother (or caregiver) singing to her child, offering protection and love. It's a timeless expression of maternal affection, making it a staple during the holiday season and a beloved tune year-round. The song's enduring popularity speaks volumes about its simple beauty and universal theme of love and security.

Understanding the Spanish Lyrics

Alright, let's get down to the lyrics and chords. The Spanish lyrics of "A la Nanita Nana" are quite straightforward, which makes it accessible for many to learn. Here's a common version:

Verse 1:

A la nanita nana, (A la nanita nana) A la nanita ea, (A la nanita ea) Duerme mi niño, duerme mi niño, (Duerme mi niño, duerme mi niño) Que viene el coco. (Que viene el coco)

Verse 2:

A la nanita nana, (A la nanita nana) A la nanita ea, (A la nanita ea) No te desveles mi niño, (No te desveles mi niño) Que viene el coco. (Que viene el coco)

Verse 3:

A la nanita nana, (A la nanita nana) A la nanita ea, (A la nanita ea) Duerme mi niño, duerme mi niño, (Duerme mi niño, duerme mi niño) Que viene el coco. (Que viene el coco)

Verse 4:

Duerme mi niño, (Duerme mi niño) Duerme mi niño, (Duerme mi niño) Que viene el coco. (Que viene el coco)

It's worth noting that sometimes variations exist, especially in the number of verses or slight wording changes, but the core sentiment remains the same. The repetition in the lyrics is intentional, creating a hypnotic effect perfect for a lullaby. The phrase "Que viene el coco" is a traditional Spanish way of warning children, similar to saying "the boogeyman is coming" if they don't behave or sleep. However, in the context of this lullaby, it's more of a gentle, playful warning rather than something truly frightening. It adds a touch of traditional folklore to the song. The simplicity of the vocabulary also makes it a great tool for those learning Spanish. You can easily follow along and even start singing it with your kids. The gentle rhythm and repetitive phrases are fantastic for language immersion. It’s a song that truly captures the essence of a loving, protective parent singing to their child, wishing them sweet dreams and assuring them of safety, even with the playful mention of the "coco."

Translating the Meaning: What Are We Singing About?

Now, let's translate those Spanish lyrics so everyone can understand the beautiful message. This is where the real sweetness of "A la Nanita Nana" shines through. Understanding the meaning behind the lyrics and chords can really enhance your appreciation for the song.

Verse 1 Translation:

To the little rocking, nanita, (To the little rocking, nanita) To the little rocking, ea, (To the little rocking, ea) Sleep my child, sleep my child, (Sleep my child, sleep my child) Because the coco is coming. (Because the coco is coming)

Verse 2 Translation:

To the little rocking, nanita, (To the little rocking, nanita) To the little rocking, ea, (To the little rocking, ea) Don't stay awake, my child, (Don't stay awake, my child) Because the coco is coming. (Because the coco is coming)

Verse 3 Translation:

Verse 4 Translation:

Sleep my child, (Sleep my child) Sleep my child, (Sleep my child) Because the coco is coming. (Because the coco is coming)

As you can see, the message is simple and loving. The parent is trying to soothe their child to sleep, using the familiar "coco" as a gentle nudge. The phrase "A la nanita nana, a la nanita ea" is essentially the sound of the lullaby itself, the rhythmic "shushing" sound meant to comfort. The translation of "coco" as "boogeyman" is the closest English equivalent, but as mentioned, it's used here in a much softer, traditional context. It’s not meant to scare the child, but rather to encourage them to drift off to dreamland. The repetition emphasizes the soothing, hypnotic quality. This song is a beautiful example of how cultural nuances can be embedded in simple folk songs. The idea of the "coco" is a common element in Spanish-speaking cultures to get children to sleep, and it's presented here without malice, just as a part of the bedtime routine. It’s a lullaby that’s deeply connected to cultural heritage, passed down through families, and continues to resonate because of its universal themes of parental love and the desire for a child's peaceful sleep. The simplicity is its strength, making it easy to learn and sing, and deeply touching in its earnestness. It truly is a little piece of musical poetry designed to bring comfort and tranquility to the youngest ears.

Easy Guitar Chords for "A la Nanita Nana"

Now for the fun part – the lyrics and chords! "A la Nanita Nana" is wonderfully simple to play on the guitar. The chords are basic, making it perfect for beginners. We'll use common open chords. The most standard progression for this song involves just a few chords: G, C, and D7. Sometimes, you might see an Em thrown in, but let's stick to the simplest version first.

Here are the chords you'll need:

G Major (G): 320003
C Major (C): x32010
D7 (D7): xx0212

Strumming Pattern:

A simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well for most of the song. You can also just use simple down strums on each beat for a more mellow feel, especially if you're singing it as a lullaby. The key is to keep it gentle and flowing.

Chord Placement:

Here’s how the chords fit with the lyrics. I'll place the chord symbol above the syllable where the chord change occurs. Remember, this is a guide, and you might find slight variations depending on the arrangement you hear.

**(G)**A la **(C)**nanita **(G)**nana, **(G)**A la **(C)**nanita **(G)**ea, **(G)**Duerme mi **(C)**niño, **(G)**duerme mi **(C)**niño, **(G)**Que viene el **(D7)**coco. (G)

**(G)**A la **(C)**nanita **(G)**nana, **(G)**A la **(C)**nanita **(G)**ea, **(G)No te des (C)**veles mi **(G)**niño, **(G)**Que viene el **(D7)**coco. (G)

**(G)**A la **(C)**nanita **(G)**nana, **(G)**A la **(C)**nanita **(G)**ea, **(G)**Duerme mi **(C)**niño, **(G)**duerme mi **(C)**niño, **(G)**Que viene el **(D7)**coco. (G)

**(G)**Duerme mi **(C)**niño, **(G)**Duerme mi **(C)**niño, **(G)**Que viene el **(D7)**coco. (G)

Tips for Playing:

Smooth Transitions: Practice transitioning between G, C, and D7. These are fundamental chords, so getting them smooth will help with countless other songs.
Tempo: Keep the tempo slow and steady, like a gentle rocking motion. This song isn't about speed; it's about creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Dynamics: Play softly. If you're singing this to a child, you want your guitar playing to be a comforting background, not overpowering.
Variations: Once you're comfortable, you can experiment with adding the Em chord (022000) for a slightly different feel, often placed where the G chord is in the second half of the phrase, like: "Duerme mi **(Em)**niño, duerme mi **(C)**niño." But honestly, the G-C-D7 progression is perfect as is.

Learning these lyrics and chords is a wonderful way to connect with traditional music and create beautiful moments, whether for a holiday gathering or a quiet evening at home. It’s a song that truly embodies simplicity and heartfelt emotion, making it a joy to play and sing for people of all ages and musical abilities. The accessibility of these chords means that even someone who has only just picked up a guitar can learn to play this beautiful lullaby relatively quickly. The focus is on the feeling and the message, not complex musicality. So, don't be shy, give it a go! You might surprise yourself with how quickly you can master it and start serenading your loved ones.

Making "A la Nanita Nana" Your Own

So there you have it, guys! The lyrics and chords for "A la Nanita Nana." We've explored the touching meaning behind this Spanish lullaby and how to play it on the guitar with simple, accessible chords. But the beauty of folk music is that you can always put your own spin on it. Don't be afraid to experiment with the tempo, change the strumming pattern, or even try different voicings for the chords if you're feeling adventurous. Maybe you want to add a capo to change the key to better suit your voice, or perhaps you want to learn a fingerstyle arrangement. The possibilities are endless!

This song is more than just a set of lyrics and chords; it's a piece of cultural heritage, a soothing melody, and a heartfelt expression of love. It’s perfect for bedtime, holiday gatherings, or just a quiet moment of connection. So, keep practicing, keep singing, and most importantly, keep sharing the love and warmth that "A la Nanita Nana" brings. Happy playing, everyone!