The villancico is attributed by some sources to Mateo Flecha the Elder, who died in 1553; it has also been described as anonymous.The song also bears a strong resemblance to another villancico, Falalanlera, by Bartolomeu Càrceres, a Catalan composer.It is known from a single source, the Cancionero de Upsala, published in 1556 in Venice; a unique copy is preserved at the library of the University of Uppsala. The song appears as the fortieth song of that collection. Daniel R. Melamed described the song as "redoutable", and mentions it as a contender for the best known piece of Renaissance music.
Riu, riu, chiu La guarda ribera Dios guarde el lobo De nuestra cordera.
El lobo rabioso la quiso morder, Mas Dios poderoso la supo defender; Quisole hazer que no pudiesse pecar, Ni aun original esta Virgen no tuviera. Riu, riu, chiu, etc.
Este qu’es nascido es el gran monarca, Cristo patriarca de carne vestido; Hanos redimido con se hazer chiquito, Aunqu’era infinito, finito se hizera. Riu, riu, chiu, etc.
Muchas profecias lo han profetizado, Y aun en nuestros dias lo hemos alcancado. A Dios humanado vemos en el suelo Y al hombre nel cielo porqu’er le quisiera. Riu, riu, chiu, etc.
Yo vi mil Garzones que andavan cantando, Por aqui bolando, haciendo mil sones, Diziendo a gascones Gloria sea en el cielo, Y paz en el suelo qu’es Jesus nascieta. Riu, riu, chiu, etc.
Este viene a dar a los muertos vida Y viene a reparar de todos la caida; Es la luz del dia aqueste mocuelo; Este es el cordero que San Juan dixera. Riu, riu, chiu, etc. Pues que ya tenemos lo que desseamos, Todos juntos vamos presentes llevemos; Todos le daremos nuestra voluntad, Pues a se igualar con el hombre viniera. Riu, riu, chiu, etc
TRANSLATION:
Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb
The rabid wolf tried to bite her But God Almighty knew how to defend her He wished to create her impervious to sin Nor was this maid to embody original sin Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb
He comes to give life to the dead He comes to redeem the fall of man This child is the light of day He is the very lamb Saint John prophecied
Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb
A thousand singing herons I saw passing, Flying overhead, sounding A thousand voices Exhulting, "Glory be in the heavens, and peace on earth, for Jesus has been born."
Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb
He comes to give life to the dead He comes to redeem the fall of man This child is the light of day He is the very lamb Saint John prophesied
Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb
A thousand singing herons I saw passing Flying overhead, sounding a thousand voices Exhulting, "Glory be in the heavens, and peace on earth for Jesus has been born."
Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb.