La Limosna (part. Julio Martel)

At the door of a palace
A kid was begging
I’m hungry, I’m cold
Have mercy on me

It was August, full winter
And the rain was pouring
On his frail little body
That was orphaned flesh

That night there was a dance
And rich men were arriving
With beautiful women
To the splendid feast

And they passed by selfishly
Without looking at the poor kid
Who was an angel in rags
Who was a blonde cherub

A piece of stale bread
He was biting bitterly
Repeating with sadness
Give me a nickel, please

And the music came
With its shrill notes
Like a whip it struck
Right to the soul of the boy

Just then another beggar came
An experienced beggar
An old man who knew
How to ask for help

And seeing the young boy
Touched his conscience
And with a raspy voice
He was heard saying this

Never ask for alms
Where there’s party and joy
'Cause the happy people
Know nothing of pain
In the sad cemeteries
And also in the churches
There’s always a good soul
And a compassionate heart

Tonight is for men
And that’s why I advise you
To leave this door
Where they won’t give you anything

Take this alms, son
'Cause today the world denies it to you

Take this change, son
It’s enough for some bread