Xicochi

"Xicochi" is a 17th-century motet, written by Gaspar Fernandes while he was organist of Puebla Cathedral. It serves as an example of the influence of indigenous Nahua culture, dominant in Mesoamerica at the time, on colonial Spanish music.

In 2000, Linda Ronstadt recorded the song for A Merry Little Christmas.

Lyrics

Nahuatl original

Xicochi, xicochi,
Xicochi, xicochi
Xicochi conetzintle
Xicochi conetzintle
Caomiz hui hui xoco in angelos me
Caomiz hui hui xoco in angelos me
Caomiz hui hui xoco in angelos me
In angelos me in angelos me

Alleluya alleluya

English translation

Sleep, sleep
Sleep, sleep
Sleep, O my child
Sleep, O my child
Indeed, the angels have come to call you (into the world)
Indeed, the angels have come to call you (into the world)
Indeed, the angels have come to call you (into the world)

Alleluia, alleluia

Sources

• Watkins, Timothy D. "Finding Nahua Influence in Spanish Colonial Music." Rhodes College. Hassell Hall. 24 Sept. 2008.