Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn,
& Jones, LTD.

Riu Chiu

(traditional)

Vocals: Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, & Chip Douglas
Date: August 21, 1967

This traditional Spanish Christmas carol was chosen by Producer Douglas who had performed it with the Modern Folk Quartet. This studio version featured Micky, Michael, Peter, and Chip, and was not released until Missing Links, Vol.2, though the four Monkees did perform it on their Christmas 1967 TV episode.

On CD:
Missing Links, Volume 2 (1990), Rhino Records R2 70903

Lyrics:

Riu riu chiu, la guarda ribera;
Dios guardo el lobo de nuestra cordera,
Dios guardo el lobo de neustra cordera.

El lobo rabioso la quiso morder,
Mas Dios poderoso la supo defender;
Quisola hazer que no pudiese pecar,
Ni aun original esta Virgen no tuviera.

Riu, riu chiu...

Este qu'es nacido es el gran monarca,
Christo patriarca de carne vestido;
Hemos redemido con se hazer chiquito,
Aunqu'era infinito, finito se hiziera.

Riu, riu chiu...

Translated:

River, roaring river, guard our homes in safety,
God has kept the black wolf from our lamb, our Lady.
God has kept the black wolf from our lamb, our Lady.

Raging mad to bite her, there the wolf did steal,
But our God Almighty defended her with zeal.
Pure He wished to keep Her so She could never sin,
That first sin of man never touched the Virgin sainted.

River, roaring river...

He who's now begotten is our mighty Monarch,
Christ, our Holy Father, in human flesh embodied.
He has brough atonement by being born so humble,
Though He is immortal, as mortal was created.

River, roaring river...


The Monkees (C) 2001. Rhino Records, Inc. All rights reserved.

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