"Cielito lindo" literally means "beautiful little heaven' (or 'sky'). "Cielito" is a term of endearment like "darling". I translated it here as "pretty little darling".

"Cielito lindo" was originally a ranchera song sung by a solo guitarist. Nowadays you'll hear it performed by mariachi bands.

Cielito lindo - Mexican Children's Songs - Mexico - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World  - Intro Image

Notes

"Cielito lindo" was written by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés (c. 1859–1957) in 1882. It was first published in print in 1919.

Many versions of this song exist. Many people sing the verses in different orders or only sing two or three verses. Please feel free to email me any additional verses that you know.

Comments

We received this alternative translation of one of the verses by nanczon...

Down from Sierra Moreno there
comes the lovely Cielito Linda
Tripping down, right into the town
Comes the lovely Cielito Linda
Ay yi yi yi...

*****

Pearl wrote:

"I'd like to add to 'Cielito Lindo' a verse I've heard when someone is falling in love...

Siempre que te enamores
Celito lindo mira primero,
Donde pones los ojos
Cielito lindo no llores luego."

English Translation:

Whenever you fall in love,
Pretty little darling, look first
Where you set your sights,
Pretty little darling, don't cry later.

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Sheet Music

Sheet Music - Cielito lindo

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Pearl for sending another verse!