El Año Viejo Lyrics in English by Tony Camargo
Suegra means "mother-in-law". While a common family term, it's a unique and funny word to find in the lyrics of a classic party song.
In "El Año Viejo," the singer fondly recalls all the good things the past year left him: a goat, a donkey, a horse, and—most humorously—a good mother-in-law! The line "una buena suegra" (a good mother-in-law) is a charming and unexpected twist, making it one of the most memorable parts of this beloved New Year's Eve anthem.
While most people count down the seconds on New Year's Eve just to kick the past twelve months out the door, Mexican singer Tony Camargo does the exact opposite. In "El Año Viejo", he looks back with pure gratitude and a massive smile, chanting "Yo no olvido al año viejo / Porque me ha dejado cosas muy buenas" ("I don't forget the old year / Because it left me very good things"). The tropical rhythm turns what could be a nostalgic farewell into a joyful pachanga (a lively party or bash), making it impossible to sit still.
His list of blessings is delightfully simple, quirky, and rural. Forget promotions or sports cars; he proudly repeats that the past year gifted him four specific treasures: "una chiva" (a female goat), "una burra negra" (a black donkey), "una yegua blanca" (a white mare), and, best of all, "una buena suegra" (a good mother-in-law). Dropping a loving mother-in-law into a list of livestock is a funny, warm punchline that gives the track its lighthearted charm. It is an upbeat reminder to celebrate life's humble gifts and dance your way into whatever comes next.
