Estancia San Jose (Milonga)

At the San Jose Ranch
By the La Colina station
When I was a seasonal worker
I happened to show up
I chatted with the boss
About the yards outside
And I liked the way
They treated me, straightforward and friendly
He introduced me to the lady
Who was by the gate

I asked about a job
Just to stay a few days
And he said he had
Some fencing to do down low
But come on, take a chance
Join the crew by the fire
There’s the whole gang
Gathered around the flames
And the boss came with me
So I could meet them all

The talk was tangled
In all sorts of ranch stuff
About roping out back
About branding and rodeos
They talked about the plucking
Of feathers and tricks
About oxen and wagons
Guitarists and singers
Mixing in poets
With names of some bard

I raised my hand
To make my introduction
He’s new, said the boss
Take care of him, Mariano
And a local stepped up
From a place in Santa Fe
I cut a piece of meat
From the side of the empty
And that was my start
At the San Jose Ranch.