The lead sheet for “Los peces en el río” is available for download as a PDF.
Available in E minor and A minor.
Los peces en el río
“Los peces en el río” is a traditional Spanish Christmas carol that became popular during the 20th century. The song celebrates the birth of Jesus, using everyday images—like fish drinking from the river—to evoke a sense of joy and life at Christmas.
It has been performed by a wide range of artists, from traditional choirs to contemporary singers. Some versions feature slight rhythmic or melodic variations, keeping each performance fresh while maintaining the song’s charm and cultural significance.
Trivia Bits
The lyrics describe fish drinking in the river while the Virgin Mary tends to daily tasks, creating a scene that feels both ordinary and enchantingly lively.
Modern recordings sometimes use unusual instruments for a carol, such as saxophones or electric guitars, giving the classic melody a surprising and playful twist.
In many regions, the song is sung in groups accompanied by hand claps or tambourines, adding a cheerful, slightly unpredictable rhythm to each performance.
Lead Sheet (E minor)
The sheet music below is a lead sheet containing the chords, melody and lyrics of the piece.
Download “Los peces en el río” in E minor (1 page) as a PDF
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Lead Sheet (A minor)
The sheet music below is a lead sheet containing the chords, melody and lyrics of the piece.
Download “Los peces en el río” lead sheet i(1 page) as a PDF
$3.99Add to cart