“Gato Perro” explores the concept that opposites attract. Throughout the song, the narrator contrasts their partner’s preferences and background with their own—comparing them to a cat versus a dog, high society versus the neighborhood, mountain versus beach, and coffee versus tea. Despite these complete differences (“two poles that are opposite”), the lyrics celebrate how two contrasting personalities harmoniously come together like “notes of the same melody.”
Part 1: Listening Activity (Fill in the Blanks)
Listen to the song “Gato Perro” by SMILE and fill in the missing words as you hear them.
- Tú eres de gato, yo soy de ____________________.
- Tú eres de familia bien, yo soy de ____________________.
- Tú eres de monte, yo soy de ____________________.
- Tú eres de dulce, yo de ____________________.
- Dos polos, que de opuestos son notas de una misma ____________________.
- Tú eres de café, yo soy más de ____________________.
- Tú eres de chalet con jardín, yo de ____________________.
- De querer ver tu cara cada vez que abro los ____________________.
Excerpt:
“Dos polos, que de opuestos
Son notas de una misma melodía”
— SMILE, “Gato Perro”
Part 2: Vocabulary Translation
Translate the following key Spanish words and expressions from the song into English.
| Spanish Word / Expression | English Translation |
| 1. El gato / El perro | ____________________ |
| 2. El barrio | ____________________ |
| 3. El monte / La playa | ____________________ |
| 4. Correr | ____________________ |
| 5. Tirarme | ____________________ |
| 6. Dulce / Salado | ____________________ |
| 7. La noche / El día | ____________________ |
| 8. Polos opuestos | ____________________ |
| 9. La melodía | ____________________ |
| 10. Te quiero | ____________________ |
| 11. Sin ti me muero | ____________________ |
| 12. El jardín | ____________________ |
| 13. La cerveza | ____________________ |
| 14. El mar | ____________________ |
| 15. La mañana | ____________________ |
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions based on the song’s themes.
- What main theme or central idea is the song expressing through all the contrasts (cat vs. dog, coffee vs. tea, etc.)?
- What does the line “Dos polos, que de opuestos / Son notas de una misma melodía” mean in the context of a relationship?
- Which contrast in the song did you find the most interesting or memorable?
- Do you agree with the idea that “opposites attract” in friendships or relationships? Why or why not?
