The copla is one of the oldest and most popular poetic forms in the Spanish-speaking world. It has appeared for centuries in songs, sayings, literature, and oral tradition.
In this article, we’ll explain what a copla is, the main types of coplas, their structure, and most importantly, we’ll share plenty of examples of coplas to better understand their meaning and use.
We’ll also answer common questions such as: what are popular coplas?, how is a stanza in a copla built?, and where do coplas usually appear?
What Is a Copla?
A copla is a short poetic composition, usually of popular origin, made up of four lines (one stanza) with rhyme. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, but it’s still alive today, especially in folklore and traditional music.
Coplas usually explore themes such as love, nature, popular wisdom, humor, social critique, or religion.
Structure of a Copla
A traditional copla has these main features:
- It’s composed of four lines (a stanza).
- Each line usually has eight syllables (octosyllabic).
- The most common rhyme is assonance in the even-numbered lines (2nd and 4th), while the odd-numbered ones (1st and 3rd) don’t rhyme.
What Are Popular Coplas?
Popular coplas are passed down orally from generation to generation without a known author. They are part of folklore and the collective wisdom of the people.
Characteristics of popular coplas:
- Simple and direct language.
- Everyday imagery.
- Clear rhyme for easier memorization.
- Common themes: love, death, work, rural life.
Example of a popular copla:
When the river makes a sound,
it carries water, beware.
Better take a steady step
than leap into the air.
Types of Coplas
Traditional Coplas
The oldest, anonymous, and transmitted orally. Used in songs, tales, games, and sayings.
Example:
I once had a little doll,
in a dress of pale blue light.
I took her to see the doctor,
who said, “She’ll be all right.”
Coplas with Broken Line (coplas de pie quebrado)
Three octosyllabic lines followed by a shorter one (usually four syllables).
Example:
Life, what can I give to you,
when you’ve already given all?
I can only offer pain—
nothing tall.
Religious Coplas
Used in celebrations and rituals, such as Holy Week or patron festivals.
Example:
To the Child of God we sing,
coplas full of love so true.
Born inside a humble stall,
yet He rules the whole world too.
Satirical or Humorous Coplas
Used for social critique or witty rhymes.
Example:
The politician makes a pledge,
with words so smooth, refined.
But soon enough he forgets
the promises left behind.
Where Are Coplas Used?
Coplas appear in many contexts, including:
- Traditional music (flamenco, jotas, sevillanas).
- Children’s games (circle songs, rhymes).
- Festivals and folk celebrations.
- Oral literature.
- Education, as a playful way to teach values and language.
Examples of Coplas by Theme
Love Coplas
A love that is never confessed
remains locked deep in the chest,
like a sigh that stays unheard,
with no right to find its word.
Coplas of Popular Wisdom
The tree that grows crooked and bent
will never straighten again.
So it is in human life,
when the base is flawed within.
Nature Coplas
The rooster crows at dawn,
the morning starts to rise.
The field lets out a sigh,
beneath the open skies.
How to Write a Copla
- Choose a theme: love, critique, wisdom, humor.
- Write four lines of eight syllables each.
- Rhyme the 2nd and 4th lines with assonance.
- Use clear language and simple imagery.
Step-by-step example (Theme: time):
Time goes flying like a bird,
silent on its way.
It won’t wait, it won’t announce,
it just takes the day.
Related Poetic Forms
Other Spanish poetic forms worth knowing:
- Décima: stanza of 10 lines.
- Seguidilla: composition of 4–7 lines, also popular in origin.
- Romance: an indefinite series of octosyllabic lines with assonance rhyme on the even ones.
Conclusion
Coplas are a simple but powerful poetic form. They’ve endured for centuries because they express emotions, wisdom, and social critique in a clear and musical way.
Now you know what a copla is, its structure, its types, and many examples of popular coplas. With this foundation, you can try writing your own or use them as a creative teaching tool.