Dios Te Salve M'hijo

The little town was full of strangers,
The leaders displayed the toughest of their actions,
Rallying the countrymen to win the elections
For money, for the grave, for the vote or the knife.
And as soon as the opponents paraded by
A countryman shouted 'long live!' and mentioned the leader;
And the others responded, burying their knives
In the brave body of the countryman who shouted.

An old man slowly took off his black hat;
He stretched the warm legs of the fallen countryman,
He kissed him with all his soul, placed a cross between his fingers
And shedding tears, murmured under his breath:
'Poor son, who would have thought that for being noble and brave
He would pay with his life for holding an opinion,
For not listening to me, son: I told him so many times...
Don't judge the speeches of the doctor or the boss.

It's cold, isn't it, son? (he's getting stiff)
Cover yourself with this poncho and take it forever;
It's the same pampa poncho, that when you were a child
Many times, my son... Many times he covered you.
I will go to the cemetery, next to your grandmother,
With your dagger and my nails I will open a grave,
And to your poor mother, to your poor mother,
I will tell her that you have gone... That you will come back soon.

At midnight, the old man arrived at his little ranch
And discreetly caressed his old lady:
And he tenderly told her: Your pup has gone far,
He joined a troop; he took the poncho and kissed me!
And now, old lady just in case, since the journey is long
Light some candles, just in case,
Kneel down and pray... So that God doesn't abandon him...
And pray for the souls... That need light and peace