Few songs hold the cultural weight and emotional resonance of "Las Mañanitas," the quintessential traditional Mexican birthday song. More than just a "Happy Birthday" equivalent, this serenade is a deep-rooted custom, often performed by a Mariachi band or a family choir at the stroke of midnight or the break of dawn on a loved one’s special day. As of this writing in December 2025, the song remains a vibrant, essential part of life across Mexico and Latin America, a timeless piece of musical heritage.

The words to Las Mañanitas are surprisingly varied, with regional and familial traditions dictating which verses are sung. While many people only know the first two or three stanzas, the full song tells a beautiful, poetic story of waking a loved one with music and joy. Unlocking the complete set of lyrics and understanding their historical context—including the famous reference to King David—is key to appreciating this beloved musical tradition.

The Essential Verses and the Full Spanish-English Translation

The most common version of "Las Mañanitas" is credited to Mexican composer Alfonso Esparza Oteo, though its melody and core verses predate his 1914 composition, drawing from the Spanish "romanza" genre. The song is sung not only for birthdays but also for Saint’s Days (Día de tu Santo), Mother’s Day, and other important celebrations. Below are the most essential verses, along with their English translation, which form the heart of the serenade.

Verse 1: The King David Connection (The Opening)

This is the iconic opening that sets the stage, immediately referencing a figure from biblical history.

• Spanish: "Estas son las mañanitas, que cantaba el Rey David, hoy por ser día de tu santo/cumpleaños, te las cantamos a ti."
• English Translation: "These are the morning songs that King David sang, because today is your saint's day/birthday, we sing them to you."

The reference to King David is a fascinating piece of musical history. David, the author of the Psalms, is traditionally associated with sacred music and serenades. The line connects the modern song to a timeless, ancient tradition of singing praises and celebratory songs, giving the serenade a sense of deep, almost spiritual, significance.

Verse 2: The Wake-Up Call (The Core)

This verse is the emotional core of the song, urging the celebrated person to wake up and receive the morning serenade.

• Spanish: "Despierta, mi bien, despierta, mira que ya amaneció, ya los pajarillos cantan, la luna ya se metió."
• English Translation: "Wake up, my dear, wake up, look, it is already dawn, the little birds are already singing, the moon has already set."

This stanza perfectly captures the traditional timing of the song: a serenade performed in the early morning, just as the sun rises, to be the very first person to celebrate the birthday (or Saint's Day) of the honoree.

Verse 3: The Call for Flowers (The Serenade)

This verse often follows the wake-up call and is a beautiful, poetic description of the morning scene.

• Spanish: "Qué linda está la mañana en que vengo a saludarte, venimos todos con gusto y placer a felicitarte."
• English Translation: "How beautiful is the morning in which I come to greet you, we all come with joy and pleasure to congratulate you."

The Less Common but Highly Poetic Verses (Regional Variations)

One of the most unique aspects of "Las Mañanitas" is its fluidity. Depending on the region of Mexico or the family tradition, different verses are added or substituted. These variations often add a layer of personal or regional flavor to the serenade.

Verse 4: The "Pretty Girls" Variation (For Women)

A common substitution for the opening stanza, especially when singing to a woman or a girl, is the "A las muchachas bonitas" verse.

• Spanish: "A las muchachas bonitas, se las cantamos aquí, y a las que son más bonitas, se las cantamos así."
• English Translation: "To the pretty girls, we sing them here, and to those who are prettier, we sing them like this."

This variation highlights the song's use as a general serenade beyond just birthdays, often sung to express admiration for a young woman.

Verse 5: The Flower and Star Verse (Poetic Imagery)

This verse uses rich, traditional imagery to praise the person being celebrated.

• Spanish: "El día en que tú naciste, nacieron todas las flores, y en la pila del bautismo, cantaron los ruiseñores."
• English Translation: "The day that you were born, all the flowers were born, and at the baptismal font, the nightingales sang."

This stanza elevates the honoree's birth to a momentous, natural event, accompanied by the beautiful sounds of nature.

Verse 6: The Request for a Blessing (Formal Respect)

Often sung in more formal or religious settings, this verse asks for a divine blessing.

• Spanish: "Quisiera ser un San Juan, quisiera ser un San Pedro, para venirte a cantar con la música del cielo."
• English Translation: "I wish I were a Saint John, I wish I were a Saint Peter, to come sing to you with the music of heaven."

Verse 7: The Farewell Verse (The Closing)

The serenade often closes with a verse that expresses the joy of the gathering and a wish for the honoree to enjoy their cake.

• Spanish: "Ya viene amaneciendo, ya la luz del día nos dio, levántate de mañana, mira que ya amaneció."
• English Translation: "It is already dawning, the light of day has already given us, get up in the morning, look, it is already dawn."

The Iconic Voices: Vicente Fernández and Pedro Infante

To achieve true topical authority on "Las Mañanitas," one must acknowledge the legendary artists who cemented its place in Mexican culture. The song is almost inseparable from the Mariachi genre, and its most famous recordings are by two giants of Ranchera music: Pedro Infante and Vicente Fernández.

The Pedro Infante version, recorded during the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, is often considered the definitive, classic rendition. His smooth, heartfelt vocal delivery and the traditional Mariachi arrangement set the standard for generations. Infante's version is characterized by a tender, almost paternal warmth, making it a favorite for family celebrations.

In contrast, the Vicente Fernández rendition is known for its powerful, dramatic vocal performance, typical of "El Rey" (The King) of Ranchera music. Fernández’s version brings a robust, soaring quality to the song, often the choice for a grand, celebratory serenade. Both versions, however, stick to the core traditional words, proving the timeless nature of the classic lyrics. Listening to both is essential to appreciate the full spectrum of the song's emotional range.

Ultimately, the words to "Las Mañanitas" are a beautiful, living poem. They are a blend of ancient biblical references, romantic Spanish poetry, and heartfelt Mexican tradition. Whether you hear it sung by a full Mariachi band at 6 AM or by a small group of family members around a cake, the message remains the same: a deep, joyful, and poetic celebration of life.