Ay sí, ay no

The song 'Ay sí, ay no' performed by Rolando Alárcon is a traditional villancico, a type of Spanish Christmas carol, that has been collected by the folklorist Margot Loyola during the festivities of La Tirana in Iquique, Chile. The lyrics reflect the joy and reverence associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, a common theme in villancicos, which are often used to convey the story of the Nativity and the surrounding celebrations.

The opening lines describe the moment of Jesus' birth, marked by the crowing of the roosters at midnight. This is a poetic way of illustrating the idea that nature itself is heralding the arrival of the savior. The repetition of 'Ay, sí, ay, no' followed by the expression of personal affection for the newborn Jesus ('al niño lo quiero yo') adds a layer of individual devotion and connection to the divine event, making the song both a communal and personal celebration.

The latter part of the song shifts the focus to the human response to the birth of Jesus, with the shepherds lighting a fire to keep the child warm and an offering of pears to Mary, despite them not being fully ripe. This act of giving, even if the offering is humble, underscores the themes of generosity and love that are central to the Christmas narrative. Rolando Alárcon's rendition of this traditional carol likely carries the folkloric essence of Chilean culture, blending religious reverence with the warmth of communal celebration.