Añoranzas

When I left Santiago, I cried all the way.

I cried without knowing why, but I assure you

that my heart is tough but that day I loosened up.

I left that beloved ground and the ranch where I was born,

where I lived so happily singing joyfully;

instead today I live crying just like the crespín.

The years nor the distance could ever erase

from my memory or make me forget you;

oh, my beloved Santiago, I long for your quebrachal!

Tomorrow when I die, if someone takes pity on me,

take me back to where I was born if they want to give me glory,

and play in my memory the double I sing here.

In my moments of sadness, I always start to sing:

how can some of my countrymen forget

ranch, father, mother, brothers, so easily!

A person from Santiago should not act that way.

disregarding the chacarera for another imported dance,

that is to see it tarnished for our country race.

The other night I found my pillows wet;

but I don't know if I dreamed or if I was crying awake

or looking into the distance at the ranch I left.

Perhaps in the cemetery there is no place for me;

compatriots, I will ask that when the time comes,

toss me in an open field, but yes, where I was born.