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Los Peces en el Rio – Eight handbells

This traditional Spanish Christmas carol has an interesting story in the lyrics: The baby Jesus has been born, and because life has its demands, Mary is described as going about her normal doings in the same say you and I would (well, except for being a parent of the Child who is the Son of God!). The fish in the river, however, have other ideas, and rejoice at the birth of the Savior.

The Virgin Mary combs her precious hair as she gives thanks for her baby.
Even she cannot understand why God chose her to be a mother.

But fishes in the river / they are so delighted.
The fishes in the river / to see the birth of God.
See how they swim and swim / and then they swim some more.
The fishes in the river / to see the Savior born.

The Virgin Mary washes swaddling clothes and hangs them on the rose bush
While birds of the air sing in praise and the roses begin their blooming.

The Virgin Mary washes precious hands, hands to take care of the baby
How I’m in awe of those busy, busy hands, hands to take care of my Savior.

La Virgen se está peinando entre cortina y cortina.
Los cabellos son de oro y el peine de plata fina.

Pero mira cómo beben los peces en el río.
Pero mira cómo beben por ver a Dios nacido.
Beben y beben y vuelven a beber.
Los peces en el río por ver a Dios nacer.

La Virgen lava pañales y los tiende en el romero,
los pajarillos cantando, y el romero floreciendo.

La Virgen se está lavando con un poco de jabón.
Se le han picado las manos, manos de mi corazón.

Church Calendar: Christmas


Standard Version:
”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $7.00 US
G5-based practice track: $2.00 US
F5-based practice track: $2.00 US

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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