[Cover photo and makeup credit to Laura and Mateo, ages 8 and 4]

José González has shared the Spanish-language track, “Pajarito,” and its accompanying video. The song, his first since 2021, was written with his children in mind. It takes a look at life with a whimsical lens.

González says:

Now and then, I want to write songs that are timeless, simple, and carefree. ‘Pajarito’ is about growing up, learning things, and eventually becoming independent. As usual, there’s also an existential undertone — the meaning of life is something that can emerge gradually as one gets to know the world, more as something you discover for yourself and not necessarily something dictated from above. This one is inspired by songs like ’59th Street Bridge Song’ (Simon & Garfunkel) and ‘Río’ (Silvio Rodríguez), but also by all the children’s songs that have become part of our everyday life in recent years (Alice Tegnér, Georg Riedel, María Elena Walsh).

He adds:

This is the follow-up to Lilla Gumman (Lilla G), which I wrote when I was thinking of Laura. Of course, I had to write a song dedicated to Mateo as well!

The cover is inspired by Swedish folk art – allmoge and the Dala horse. Here is a ‘Dala bird.’ Painted by Hannele Fernström and layout by Robert Samsonovitz.

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 2025

NOVEMBER

10 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre

11 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall

13 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

14 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

15 – Durham, NC – The Carolina Theatre

16 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

18 – St. Louis, MO – The Hawthorn

19 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre and Ballroom

20 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre