Cuban Songbook

CUBAN SONGBOOK
(Part 2 - Contemporary Songwriters,

Section A: 50 selected pages written by
Silvio Rodríguez)
Find more information on particular songs, sometimes with the stories

behind them and with additional facts on composers and performers in
www.facebook.com/NewCubanSongbook
English Lyrics © Jorge Fernández Crespo

OH, MELANCOLIA
LADY MELANCHOLY
Today, Miss Loneliness comes knocking at my door

wearing a costume from nostalgic days of yore,
showing lace like ocean waves that float around her
Today this voluble young lady begs for more

and caresses my heart gently with the snow
always falling on the places I have found her
That’s why today

would you join me on a stroll under her spell
till we reach a courtyard where most flowers bloom
near the trees planted one day by our forefathers
Dreams are like moss upon the curb stone of a well

simply sketching every edge of lovers’ doom,
just as subtle as the dew drops it can gather
There she is! She glances straight in my direction

then she slowly dances like the sun’s reflection
She wins my affection and I feel like flying
My vessel is lying on a peaceful sea
as the breeze keeps dying, she gets hold of me
Lady Melancholy, silent faithful lover

intimate companion of the past
Lady Melancholy, lucky four-leaf clover
seventh heaven pleasure meant to last
Lady Melancholy, goddess for all seasons
You’re a kiss that flies back like a dove
Lady Melancholy, comfort for the reason
tell me when will I be loved
Audio: http://domihnoq.tumblr.com/post/135193756278
UNICORNIO
UNICORN
My unicorn in blue
since yesterday’s been gone
Last night he disappeared
while browsing on my lawn
I will highly reward
information on him
The flowers that he left
refuse to talk to me
My unicorn in blue
since yesterday’s been gone
perhaps against his will
perhaps he wanders off
All my life I’ve just had
this unicorn in blue
I’ll give you high rewards
for any facts you’ve known
With everything I own, I’m going to pay
My unicorn in blue
since yesterday has gone astray
My unicorn and I
have been the best of friends
a little bit through love
sincerity and faith
He used to capture songs
with his indigo horn
By sharing them with me
our friendship became strong
My unicorn in blue
since yesterday just left
Though I might seem obsessed
I hope you’ll understand
All my life I’ve just had
this unicorn in blue
and if I had a pair
I’d want the runaway
For any facts you’ve known you’ll be well paid
My unicorn in blue
since yesterday has gone astray
RABO DE NUBE
TORNADO
If I was granted one sole desire

I’d surely wish for a big tornado
A whirlwind over the mire
lifting my rage even higher
A giant sweeper of sadness

The sweet revenge of a shower
making our hopes and our gladness
bloom like wild flowers
If I was granted one sole desire

I’d surely wish for a big tornado
destroying Evil forever
leaving unharmed all the cherubs
A giant sweeper of sadness

The sweet revenge of a shower
making our hopes and our gladness
bloom like wild flowers
OJALÁ
HOW I WISH
How I wish in the autumn

falling leaves wouldn’t drift near
to your window
so that you might not turn them
into slivers of glass!
How I wish gentle raindrops
wouldn’t fall on your body
as if they’re sent from Heaven!
How I wish that the moonlight
could shine without you near!
How I wish that your pathway
wouldn’t worship your footsteps!
How I wish you run out soon

of your infamous staring,
of your definite answers,
of your masterly laughter!
How I wish you would vanish
from my life in an instant
through the strike of a lightning,
swept away by a blizzard!
Should my prayer stay unanswered,
how I wish Death would take me
where I would never see you
where you’re no longer present
in each and every second
of each one of my visions
How I wish that I couldn’t
play you my compositions!
How I wish that the sunrise wouldn’t shout at

my back how much you hate me!
How I wish that your image
becomes strange to that voice!
How I wish that these four walls
wouldn’t echo your noises
of tiredness and boredom!
How I wish that desire
would follow where you lead:
to your ancient empire
of funeral processions!
How I wish you run out soon…
Audio: https://domihnoq.tumblr.com/post/162003974333
TE DOY UNA CANCIÓN
I GIVE YOU A SONG
I scribble lots of pages dreaming of you.

I cannot help but talk while being silent.
You’re my most indestructible desire
even though no one ever sees me with you
and time keeps moving onwards
till I become aware that
it’s been years since you don’t
travel my way.
I just give you a song when doors are opened

and then you get in from the dark.
I just give you a song before the day breaks
when I mostly need your light.
I just give you a song when you hand over
the sweet mystery of love
and in case that you don’t, it doesn’t matter,
Still I just give you a song.
I look outside my window and I shiver.

The city falls to pieces while I’m singing.
The citizens who love me and detest me
are not going to forgive if I’m indifferent,
believing I’ll denounce it,
risking my own existence,
since they don’t really know you
nor they feel you.
I just give you a song and make a statement

on my private right to speak.
I just give you a song and use my two hands,
the same I could use to kill.
I just give you a song and I say ‘homeland’
and I keep talking for you too.
I just give you a song that’s like a gunshot,
like an old book or a true word,
or a fair struggle,
as I just give my love.
CON UN POCO DE AMOR
WITH A BIT OF TRUE LOVE
With a bit of true love in my vision,

I’ll survive any sin and contrition.
I will finally find my salvation,
with a bit of true love and affection.
With a bit of true love

I have gotten so rich,
I keep spending and I still have plenty
affection and love.
With a bit of true love I keep learning

from my every day fears
and my yearnings.
With a bit of true love I give reasons
for some people to send me to prison.

I have gotten so rich,
I keep spending and I still have plenty…

woven into my flesh,
soon my body became all
affection and love.
I’m myself and I’m everyone else.

I will open new doors
though by now I have lots of
affection and love.
I’ll work hard for a little bit more.
CAUSAS Y AZARES
LUCK AND CIRCUMSTANCES
When Old Peter

woke up one fine morning
through the window
he looked to the distance
but no sign
there could give him a warning
that he lived his last day of existence.
Circumstances began to surround him,
undetected but deep-seated,
until Luck could eventually bind him
full of power, undefeated.
Lonely John worked till late at the office.
He was walking
back home; it was raining.
Then he went round a corner to notice
there his love of a lifetime was waiting.
Circumstances began to surround him,
undetected but deep-seated,
until Luck could eventually bind him
At the end of the song that I’m singing
I’ll continue to live in confusion.
I don’t know what the odds
could be bringing,
if the present is real or illusion.
Circumstances are set to surround me,
undetected but deep-seated.
Someday soon Luck shall finally bind me,
SOLO EL AMOR
ONLY REAL LOVE
You ought to love

the clay that your hands are molding.
You ought to love
your own sand and stay consistent.
If you don’t,
you will never
see truth unfolding.
(Only real love
gives birth to what is persistent.
Only real love
makes miracles out of nothing.) (2)
You ought to love
the age of the good intentions.
You ought to love
the hour that’s marred by thunders.
If you don’t,
don’t expect to
create inventions.
(Only real love
engenders the daily wonders.
Only real love
lead spirits to their Ascension.) (2)
TE CONOZCO
I HAVE KNOWN YOU
Throughout my childhood you were

inside my imagination.
When I first saw you I felt
strongly my predestination.
Just when I thought my
illusion would fade,
I was surprised by its incarnation.
I had been searching for you
but all my efforts were fruitless.
To solitude I got used.
I thought affection was useless.
Your loving eyes had the power to heal
those open wounds that
for years seemed cureless.
(I have known you,
I have known you for a lifetime,
from a distance.
I have known you
like I know the good old dreams of
my existence.
When I touch you I just feel that
I have known you,
I have known you).
Cold winds are warmly divine.
Small lakes have waves like the ocean.
Everything is redefined
when we are sharing the notion.
Urgencies only arise from the heart.
The only crime is undue precaution.
(I have known you...)
NO HACEN FALTA ALAS
WINGS ARE NOT REQUIRED
Wings are not required

to create a vision.
You can count on your hands.
You can count on your heart.
You can count on your legs
and your swift decision.

to become more clever.
It will be sufficient
if your love’s forever.

to fly to the heavens.
I gather funds for all the poor who

lack in friendship or in pleasures.
Whatever you may want to give
can add up to this healing treasure.
I will accept whatever is useful

in building up a tower
as long as you would like to share
this dream intended to give power.
I’m going to gather all the ice now

drifting in the Arctic Ocean.
I’ll make an ice-cream with goodwill
and with some other magic potions.
I won’t give ice-cream to the one

who is a coward or a liar.
I’ll give it all to those who love,
to those who walk right through the fire.
Recitation:
Come you good people, have a bit
of this gigantic ice cream!
HAY QUIEN PRECISA
SOME PEOPLE´S NEEDS
While time keeps passing by,

life simply won’t.
The world explodes with beauty
while moving on.
For every mortal heart
that ceases now to beat
there is a newborn that
the light will meet.
our fire won’t.
Our flames come always back
with every new sun.
A candle can go out
due to a senile blow;
the blaze of youth will burn forevermore.
Some people need a love song they could sing.
Some people need a hand that they could shake.
Some people need the joy a sunrise could bring
to leave behind all the chains they could break.
Some people need to hear the drums of war.
Some people need to dream they’ll keep their peace.
Some people need to strive a little more
so they can find a new reason to live.
real beauty stays,
for beauty seems to tell us:
Travel my way!
Don’t let your dreams grow old
or you’ll find out one day
your beauty has forever gone away.
EN EL JARDIN DE LA NOCHE
NOCTURNAL GARDEN
In my own nocturnal garden

one rose that glistens
in the moonlight looks at my eyes
trying hard to hypnotize me
she says: “Listen
there’s so much that I can show you”
I just don’t know if I should, if I should
and then my hands long to hold her
my fingers reach out to touch her
they’re so eager that
I almost feel like I’m there
on my feet
But in time
every night I’ll take possession
of the eyes that lead the battle
and I’ll fix myself the saddle
to ride my imagination
I will fly
I will have to tame my fire
I will safely ride my stallion
lead my conquering battalion
to wherever I desire
I will fly
very high above the mire
on the wings of my emotions
I will set the wind in motion
from a chariot of fire
I will fly
every night I’ll take possession
of the eyes that lead the battle
and I’ll fix myself the saddle
to ride my imagination
LOCURAS
FOLLIES
There are follies that stir expectations,

there are follies as well that bring pain,
there are follies beyond
the sane man’s comprehension
and follies outside our domain.
There are follies like beautiful poems,

there are follies so strange and obscure,
there are follies so nameless
so ageless, so cureless,
they are just not worthwhile to be cured.
There are follies that hit

like the waves on the shore:
they surprise you and drag you
and don’t let you go.
There are follies so fair,
they are outside the law.
There are follies

that are just sheer folly:
private follies enjoyed two by two;
and indelible follies
that burn all your senses
just like gods and goddesses do.
There are follies

that won’t be forgotten,
there are follies that may lie ahead,
there are follies so lively
so healthy, so likely,
one of them shall cause my sudden death.
CANTO ARENA
SINGING THE SAND
I will continue heading to my journey’s end.
I’ll try to figure out the signs at every crossroads.
My body has a hard time following new trends.
My bones are cracking
but in spite of it the word flows.
I’ll tame the reason running wild inside my head,
always bewildered by the daily circumstances.
I’m in a labyrinth but guided by a thread.
Forgotten memories are now going to get new chances.
(Singing the sand near the ocean,
the rocks become a multitude of moist emotions.
Sing foaming explosions:
the surf is born and gets to die from its own motion.)
The heart is willing as the mind keeps getting strong.
I’m throwing starlight that dissolves into a rainstorm.
This dream of mine has given birth to brand new songs
and today’s song has the
appearance of a brainstorm.
There might be blunders in the wonders that we try.
We might not notice since we’re always in a hurry.
I guess I woke up in a big tornado’s eye
and that is only one of many million worries.
(Singing the sand near the ocean...)
I will continue heading to my journey’s end.
Some magic bees are dripping honey on my spirit.
Last night I missed the drill
of making love as planned.
The voice of wisdom might be calling:
Let me hear it!
Today, as usual, I kept winding my old clock.
Set the alarm up for an invisible hour.
I just don’t care where
my new season could have struck,
if the impossible is shattered by its power.
(Singing the sand near the ocean...)
REQUIEM
REQUIEM
I enjoyed every part of you so deeply

and I relished the whole of you so widely
that the pain will hurt less if
you should leave me
for somehow
you shall stay right here beside me.
How I wish
you don’t find about the pleasure
that provoked in
me your sincere surrenders
and the way I held dear
the hidden treasure
of those love claims that you
no longer render.
(Go now to wherever you may choose!
Go now, future’s waiting there for you!
Fly high!
Healthy swans escape the winter.
My music remains with me
to ease my loneliness.)
Should we grieve for
whatever needs conclusion,
we would probably have to cry a river.
At the end of a marvelous illusion,
it’s much better to sing songs
than to quiver.
(Go now, ...)
TE AMARÉ
I’LL LOVE YOU
I’ll love you
like this world and its motion
I’ll love you
though its end might be near
I’ll love you
deeper than the blue ocean
I’ll love you
as I am forced to feel
I’ll love you
trying not to deceive you
I’ll love you
when we have to get tough
I’ll love you
giving all I can give you
I’ll love you
when we stop making love
I’ll love you
I’ll love you while I’m dying
I’ll love you
the day after, as well
I’ll love you
as I feel when I’m flying
I’ll love you
with or without farewell
I’ll love you
as a being above stages
I’ll love you
as we glide on the wind
I’ll love you
till the end of all ages
I’ll love you
far beyond
I’ll love you
NUESTRO TEMA
OUR THEME SONG
In the song we sing,

we hear the echo of the sea surf
while it’s breaking on a reef.
we can hear the wind
blowing underneath the wings of night birds.
In our song we hear the rain set in.
our naked music takes
the pictures of bloom spikes out of the sea.
we count every kiss
that we give each other in the darkness.
In our song good memories begin.
Refrain: The love song that we sing
grows apprehensive
as we keep striving
to heal our wounds.
The love song that we sing,
can prove expensive
while we’re arriving
at dreams come true.
we hear the sound of pianos
every time our lips melt in the gloom
and the sound that clings
to the dining room
of an old hotel now without clients.
In our song a moist love always blooms.
(Refrain) (2)
MI LECHO ESTA TENDIDO
MY BED WAS MADE
My bed was made this morning.

I thank you, for a start,
but on that place you
left without a warning,
I just couldn’t find my heart.
Why did you take him with you?

What were you thinking of?
After you went, I thought
I wouldn’t miss you.
Now I don’t know how to love.
Come back, undo it all!

Leave my heart alone
right where it belongs!
Bring that old fool back to his castle!

Maybe he won’t survive this hustle.
Leave my heart out of your endeavors!

He’s not the payment for your favors.
You felt my love’s beneath you

after you made my bed.
You flew away and
took my whole world with you:
dawns won’t bring but loneliness.
You flew away and

took my whole world with you:
dawns won’t bring but loneliness.
ANGEL PARA UN FINAL
ANGEL FOR AN ENDING
Whenever a conversation
stops for a second or two
all voices go with an angel
who steals them while passing through.
I can recall such a moment
while we were talking as friends
but it was more like
a tragic omen:
I have been silent since then.
When we first met, it was freezing.

I had been working till late
and lonely nights are quite teasing
when you start weaving your fate.
Unexpectedly we offered
the things we were dreaming of
and hoped an angel
relived the legend
and turned our pain into love.
I understand now
what kind of angel
passed in between us one day:
the most cruel and dreadful
the one who blew our
high hopes away.
Finally I understand
just what this silence has meant:
that passing angel,
exposed to danger,
rushed our love to its end.
YO SOY COMO SOY
I AM HOW I AM
Sometimes I feel like I’m thirsty for love

and nobody will pour me some wine.
That’s when I sit down and write a new song,
in a way, keeping busy my mind.
I dream of music to brood all along
on traditions and weeds well endowed.
I’ll sing it to you right now:
Refrain: I am how I am
I never could have made it if I hadn’t borrowed
I am how I am
I lend a hand sincerely to relieve your sorrow
I lend a hand sincerely to relieve your sorrow
I lend a hand sincerely to relieve your…
Tell me what makes you feel weary or blue.
Think of me as your medicine man.
I only wish that my song is the cure
that will help you get out of your jam.
Human to human, I hope you are sure
I’d be happy to know you got through.
The rest is now up to you.
(Refrain)
I know too well that some pain can’t be healed
even by the most joyful of tunes.
In any case I invite you to fill
up your heart with self-confidence soon.
It is worthwhile to stop shedding your tears
and start facing the future instead.
Better you hold high your head!
(Refrain twice)
To relieve your sorrow (repeat until fade)
YO TE QUIERO LIBRE
I WISH YOU LIVE FREELY
I wish you live freely, freely and with love,

free from all the shadows,
guided by the Sun.
I wish you live freely
as I’ve always dreamed,
free from other sorrows,
also free from me.
(Sweet freedom has an easy spirit
that’s only joyful
when it’s flying and you hear it
sing, sweet freedom, flap your wings!
Sweet freedom knows no lord and master
and who am I to fulfill freedom’s
dreams with laughter,
and who am I to fulfill freedom’s
dreams with laughter)
where good faith comes first:
near the sacred fountain
where you’ll quench your thirst.
where you’re really free,
free like all the people
dream that they could be.
(Sweet freedom has...)
as I’ve always dreamed,
also free from me.
LA GOTA DE ROCIO
THE DEWDROP
A dewdrop of the morning

fell straight down from the sky.
With it, my sweet beloved
had begun to clear her eyes.
But it was very early.
The sun was dreaming still.
The cheeks of my beloved
felt an unexpected chill.
I saw the stars from heaven
that played games on her face
as each one of them seemed to
leave behind a gleaming trace.
She told me she was freezing.
She needed all my warmth.
I hugged her with such vigor
I set fire to her heart.
And while we kissed each other
in ecstasy she said:
‘Please, shine on me your sunlight
to complete the break of day’
Oh, dewdrop of the morning,
keep falling from above
so that my sweet beloved
never stops to give me love!
QUE SIGNO LLEVA EL AMOR
THE MANY FACETS OF LOVE
I know there’s a song

that makes me undecided
and I think it is the impossible song
because every time that I sit down to write it
one voice deep inside says
my reason is wrong.
that when I try to bite it,
just leaves in my sad lips, temptation alone.
(1): You’ll have to live long to know
which mysteries can unfold
under the wings of the dove.
You’ll have to live long to know
how hard it is to get hold
of many facets of love.
that is frightened to see me.
I don’t know the music,
I don’t know the words,
but something keeps leading me to
where it’s sleeping.
When I try to rouse it, it flies like a bird.
I know there’s a song that refuses my visit
but leaves right before me a trail in the air.
(1)
I know there’s a song in a special attire.
I guess it should sound like
the absolute song,
a master of minds and of playful desires,
an eternal phoenix, a colossal sun.
that won’t give me its fire.
I’ll write before I’m gone.
(1)
…of many facets of love (2)
VENGA LA ESPERANZA
LET’S HOPE!
You reached out your hands for new sensations

but you have discovered only pain.
Now you think you’ve run out
of good expectations
for it seems that all your efforts were in vain.
I have also felt the same deception.
I have also wailed in the same way.
I was in the darkness
when love and affection
in time led me to the dawn of a new day.
(Let’s hope for tomorrow!
Let your voice be heard!
Melt your frozen sorrow!
Fly now, humming bird!
Set sail with the sunrise!
Let the engines roar!
Hope that love will grant you
what you’re hoping for!) (bis)
When I was a child, I often wondered
what the new millennium would bring
since the year 2000 sounded like a thunder,
magic music that all future men would sing.
Now I know that it was only an illusion.
Now I’ll have to turn another page.
Miracles might happen after this confusion
for the human kind has not yet come of age.
(Let’s hope for tomorrow!
Hope for what you want!
Hope for those who love you
and for those who don’t!
Hope in any color you’d be dreaming of:
red, black, white or yellow, colors of true love!) (bis)
Always hope with love! Always hope with love!
Always hope with love! Always hope with love!
SON DESANGRADO
DRY HEARTBEAT
A common heart was searching for a treasure

relying on his blood to make him stronger
and now he’s just delirious with hunger,
right from the darkest bottom of his pleasure.
The heart began to drown in his own kindness,
by living different lives interrelated
and now he’s been so deeply mutilated
that he has died of wisdom mixed… (2)
that he has died of wisdom mixed with blindness.
Refrain:
If the heart gets dry, are heartbeats in vain? (3)
If the heart gets dry then… (2)
If the heart gets dry, are heartbeats in vain?
Are heartbeats in vain? (2)
All in vain! (3)
I talk about a heart that gets defensive

from mechanisms deemed precautionary,
a heart once born inside a mortuary,
I talk about a heart that’s apprehensive.
I talk about a heart full of confusion
so small it seems he never started growing
still in his bloodstream anything keeps flowing
be it for real or be it just… (2)
be it for real or be it just illusion
(Refrain)
No single fact came to the heart’s attention.

He had no ears to listen to afflictions.
He wandered down the street without conviction,
incapable of grasping accusations.
He lived his clumsy seasons altogether
and got himself a hearing implantation
but now he’s heard so many execrations,
he went to get his deafness back… (2)
he went to get his deafness back forever.
(Refrain)
SUEÑO CON SERPIENTES
DREAMS OF SERPENTS
I have dreams of serpents,

huge serpents of the seas.
A certain ocean full of serpents
haunts my dreams.
Long and quite transparent,
they carry in their bellies
all the victims
they can snatch from human will.
Oh, oh, oh
I kill them and a bigger one just shows
Oh, oh, oh
digesting hell while snaking to and fro
It just coils around me

and opens up its mouth
but then it stifles
with the clovers on my face.
It cannot astound me:
I feed it a white dove
so when it swallows,
it gets poisoned with my grace.
Oh, oh, oh
I kill it and a bigger one just shows
Oh, oh, oh
digesting hell while snaking to and fro
This one does devour me

and while in the esophagus, I wonder
what is going to happen then.
As a one man army,
when I get to the stomach, I destroy it
with the truth in a free verse.
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
digesting hell and snaking to and fro
Oh, oh, oh
AL FINAL DE ESTE VIAJE EN LA VIDA
AT THE END OF THIS JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
At the end
of this journey through life, what will remain?
Both our bodies will become inflamed
after going through hatred, destruction and chains.
At the end
Hope our footprints show others the way
for at least I believe that’s why I’m here today.
We’ll be prehistoric sometime in the future.

We will be the distant memorial of mankind.
These years will one day
be the past times of heaven.
These years have become
certain liveliness of the Sun while it draws you
on the years to come.
These years are truth or goal, they’re God.
We shall remain if only we can smile
while facing death and getting into the light,
into the light, into the light,
into the light, into the light, into the light.
At the end
Just a healing of time, love and faith,
just a bandage for dressing a very old pain.
At the end
Both our bodies will hang in the sun
like the sheets from a virgin after making love.
When this journey’s over we’ll find the horizon.
When this journey’s over we’re starting all over.
When this journey’s over
the road’s just beginning,
a good road to follow
running always barefoot alongside the ocean.
When this journey’s over
there will be you and I, unbroken.
We shall remain if only we can smile
while facing death and getting into the light,
into the light, into the light, into the light.
Y NADA MAS
AND NOTHING ELSE
I feel through my window

a rather strange warning:
it’s the same old breeze that
blew early this morning.
Nothing left here
but lonely days that
are preparing to go by,
nothing but air that
you can breathe until you die,
a tiny instant in the vast eternity,
watching reality’s bad spell
and nothing else…
and nothing else…
Now it seems to me that
I’ve wandered for ages
all along those pathways
described in old pages.
Nothing left here
but lonely days that
are preparing to go by,
nothing but air that
you can breathe until you die,
a tiny instant in the vast eternity,
watching reality’s bad spell
and nothing else…
and nothing else…
OLEO DE MUJER CON SOMBRERO
OIL ON CANVAS OF WOMAN WITH HAT
A lovely woman’s been missing

taking part in my dusty delusions.
She’s been missing this beautiful madness,
my personal gladness
surrounding her waist.
She’s been missing my method of love
and my footprints on her ocean shores.
I see the light as it shimmers,

as it threatens to fade into darkness.
I can hear that a street dog is barking.
I see myself howling
like him at the moon.
I can see that I could not be found.
I can see he was not homeward bound.
True lovers are never cowards.

If they are, then they can’t be real lovers.
Coward lovers are never successful
in making their story
transcend space and time.
There’s not even a thing to recall
that could help the best speaker enthrall.
A woman I cannot mention

flees like a gull on the ocean
and I simply just go through the motions
I put back my boots on
and stop the alarm.
Just be careful not to bring me pain
or else I’ll sing your love song again!
A woman wearing a straw hat

like a painting by good old Chagall
was corrupting herself out of panic.
Though I’m a bit satanic,
I started to cry.
At that time I had cried for myself
but today I just wish she was dead.
At that time I had cried for myself

but today I just wish she was dead.
COMO ESPERANDO ABRIL
AS IF APRIL WAS NEAR
Far away, as I look through my window

across the sky morning clouds compose
a white rose growing on top of a train.
On the wall crawls a crab with a clockwork
and the cloak of an old man makes,
out of a termite nest,
a hurricane.
the cotton from heaven
becomes garden dream
as if April was near.
I look into my conscience
with eyes full of infinite sunlight
and I need in a fair fight
a dog, a support, a faith, even a hand.
Then you go by caressing
the coldness with delicate stillness.
Quite blindly in my shrillness
I command you: Teach me
what I don’t understand!
across the sky morning clouds compose
a white rose growing on top of a train.
On the wall crawls a crab with a clockwork
and the cloak of an old man makes,
out of a termite nest,
a hurricane.
the cotton from heaven
becomes garden dream
all my longings pretend to be
roses from garden dreams
CANCION DE NAVIDAD
CHRISTMAS SONG
Year-end festivities bring presents,

congratulations and new postcards
with pleasant wishes all along;
still I know well that other people
beg on the streets for their existence,
so I sat down to write this song.
Good neighbors look now so familiar,
they all agree in celebrating
together with old friends they’ll meet.
Some people will drink to their millions,
some will be thankful for a clean shirt;
someone won’t have nothing to eat.
My new song’s not from heaven

but it’s meant for the many
and I give it to you now
since you didn't have any.
My new song is not only
for the folks who would listen
because sometimes the others
have a soul that can glisten.
Possessions are no sign of evil,

yet to have nothing doesn’t prove that
people are virtuous and upright
but who’s been wealthy from the cradle
in satisfying his desires
just doesn't always need to fight.
That’s why I sing to those who listen,
to those who’re not allowed to listen,
to those who’ll never sing along,
I sing to all those daily fighters
that give me reasons to respect them,
to those who never had a song.
(My new song’s not from heaven

but it’s meant for the many
and I give it to you now
since you didn't have any.
My new song is not only
for the folks who would listen
because sometimes the others
have a soul that can glisten.) (bis)
EN EL CLARO DE LA LUNA
IN A CLEARING BY MOONLIGHT
In the clearing of a forest

where the moonlight loves to play,
finds relief the Fortune goddess
on the eve of busy days.
The true guardian of my chances
lies upon a flower’s bed,
dreaming of the new romances
that will save me from the dead.
Dream, my talisman on velvet!
Dream, my queen bee in white dress!
If you feel that I deserve it,
dream about my happiness!
Dream a heard of young wild horses
riding out the worst of times!
Dream that rain and light join forces
to make rainbows more sublime!
Dream a dream in total freedom,
what I do, not what I preach!
Dream of days at my own rhythm!
Dream of all that’s out of reach!
In her privileged position,

she longs for repose in vain
for, despite heavenly visions,
she knows life shall bring me pain.
If I knew what I was doing
I’d put honey in her tears
but I fear that I could ruin
her ability to dream.
Dream then catastrophes for me!
Dream of thirst and dream of strife!
Dream an abyss, deep and stormy:
I have known no other life!
Dream a dream in total freedom,
what I do, not what I preach!
Dream of days at my own rhythm!
Dream of all that’s out of reach!
Dream the size of joy and sorrow
in my past and present way
since the size of my tomorrow
is what I dream every day.
Dream the size of joy and sorrow
in my past and present way
since the size of my tomorrow
is what I dream every day.
PEQUEÑA SERENATA DIURNA
LITTLE DAYTIME SERENADE
I live my life in freedom,

the only possible private freedom
one can achieve while staying defiant.
I feel the joy of being a giant.
I love a woman dearly,
who also loves me
pure and sincerely.
We ask each other
for almost nothing
when we give love.
On top of all these blessings,
I have my songs where
I keep expressing
my own opinions, little by little,
as I can solve my everyday riddles.
I feel joy.
I’m a man filled with joy
but now I ask for forgiveness
from those before me
who gave their lives for my happiness.
I feel joy.
I’m a man filled with joy
but now I ask for forgiveness
from those before me
who gave their lives for my happiness.
ESTA CANCION
THIS SONG
Lately I’ve noticed I’m a liar

and always have been,
and always have been.
I wrote too many quite useless verses
wearing a full mask,
remaining hidden.
I’m just not able

to mix love with pain
and that’s maybe the only truth
that’s left inside my brain,
making my heart insane.
Now I’m afraid

I wasted all my faith
in romances not meant to be
so now I cannot find
emotions within me.
I know that no one cares about it

when other people feel sad and shout it.
And now this song

is more than just a song
or a simple excuse to grieve,
more than what I have lived,
more than what I can feel.
And now this song

is the most urgent need
of succeeding in taking roots
so that you see me through,
so that I see you through.
Yes, there are people

who still love me
and there are others
who’ll never love me.
EL VIENTO ERES TÚ
THE WIND IS YOU
Sometimes amid the deep forest

a swift howl can be heard
and it briefly goes through
the sad dusk and the light
while the trees begin freezing
as I do tonight.
Then all the tree tops bend over,

trying to survive.
If they didn’t, they surely
would break down and die.
And the strong wind that carries
destruction is you.
You are the flame where

the flower shall burn.
You are the fierceness
of wild hurricanes,
dark shadow that won’t let
my love return.
Please tell me why you now insist

in killing this love you’re leaving.
You are the flame where

the flower shall burn.
You are the fierceness
of wild hurricanes,
dark shadow that won’t let
my love return.
Please tell me why you now insist

in killing this love you’re leaving.
EN ESTOS DIAS
THESE DAYS
These days of our lives,

only in your direction
blow all winds of the world.
On the night skies the Great Bear
moves the tip of her tail
to point at that bright star
that crowns your front and guides
my own star.
The oceans have been twisted
with no little distress
towards your seashores.
The raindrops are sketching on your soft hair
the thirst of a million trees forest.
The agonizing flowers just curse you, so jealous.
These days of our lives

have seen no Sun
but your face shining
Although in silence
I see your sad eyes
and hear them crying:
Awful days that we’re living!
Indescribable feelings!

there’s no possible absolution for mankind
Ferocious race of reason
that roars and worships treason
The unlikely wild animal
that won’t stop devouring all spring seasons

have seen no Sun
but your face shining
Although in silence
I see your sad eyes
and hear them crying:
Awful days that we’re living!
What bad names shall we give them?
Pity those who are staying!
Pity those who are leaving!
Pity things and events that
fill with sorrow our station!
Awful days that we’re living
and kill civilization!
EL DIA FELIZ QUE ESTA LLEGANDO
THE HAPPY DAY THAT’S NOW APPROACHING
A happy day is getting near

like idle ships during off season.
An April day will soon appear
though wintertime’s already here
for there’s by now sufficient reason.
I am much taken by the waves.

Dolphins have all become my brothers.
I’m lighting up the fireplace
that saw a tempest leave the trace
to guide these weeks away from others.
A sunny day is coming close,

a day of drunken elves and fairies.
An eagle takes a warning pose,
excited by that scent of yours,
to threaten a burrow of rabbits.
My yearning then begins to scratch

deep in my soul without reproaching.
I don’t oppose. I merely watch.
I only know I want to catch
the happy day that’s now approaching.
QUE YA VIVI... QUE TE VAS
THE FACT I’VE LIVED... THAT WE PART
I let the hours grow older
hoping you were not a vision.
In an empty candleholder
your season became my season.
A lonely guitar got colder
spinning with you in its prison.
I think the Moon is much too teasing
while my embrace is missing
the moisture and the spark.
I think at night I wake up crying
for feeling self-denying
and fumble in the dark.
I think the rain’s already falling
and still I’m not recalling
a wet walk in the park.
I think I’ll lose my good sleep over
a finger here... lips very far
losing you, dear... growing apart
the fact I’ve lived... that we part
I let some more hours grow older,
insomniac beholder,
I hoped I wouldn’t mind.
Your season got into my season.
The moments and the reasons
refuse now to unwind.
Then my guitar arises,
it sings and agonizes
while leaving me behind.
I think I’ll lose my good sleep over
a finger here... lips very far
losing you, dear... growing apart
the fact I’ve lived... that we part
IMAGÍNATE
IMAGINE THAT!
Just imagine that

we’re in the school racket
and I bring you flowers
and lend you my jacket
Just imagine that
we’re in the same classroom
I carry your schoolbooks
and dream I’m your bridegroom
Just imagine that
I am your good neighbor
I walked by your house
trying to find your favor
Just imagine that
in fact my old pet dog
goes around your building
when he feels that I’m lost
Just imagine that
you are my fair lady
the last dream I worship
red flame when it’s shady
Just imagine that
we’re always together
we love one another
and you’re mine forever
FABULA DE LOS TRES HERMANOS
TALE OF THREE BROTHERS
There were three brothers and the oldest left home.

He took a pathway leading him to the unknown.
With the belief that he would never be wrong,
he paid attention with apprehension
to where he trampled on.
But he looked down for such a very long time
that he could never put his neck back upright
so he became a slave to caution and plights.
In his existence he walked a distance
as short as his own sight.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
Eyes that look no further can’t help people fly away.
You, you, you, you, you, you
listen to my tale and tell me what’s the thing to do!
There were three brothers and the second left home.
he paid attention with apprehension
but to the skyline zone.
And still this wise guy was not able to see
the stones and hollows that defeated his feet
and thus he always came to stumble and pitch.
In his existence he walked a distance
as short as his own reach.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
Eyes that don’t look closer
can’t help people find their way.
You, you, you, you, you, you!
listen to my tale and tell me what’s the thing to do!
There were three brothers and the youngest left home.
one eye inspected the current pathway
and one, the skyline zone.
And so he walked farther than the other two.
One eye looked closer and one further away
and when it came the time to sum up his days,
he was tormented, disoriented
between the here’s and there’s.
(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
Eyes that look at everything at once cannot discern.
You, you, you, you, you, you
listen to my tale and tell me what’s the thing to do!) (bis)
POR QUIEN MERECE AMOR
FOR THOSE DESERVING OF LOVE
[1]: [Do you resent my love,

my love of timeless youth,
as my love shows the virtue of its truth?
Do you resent my love, my love without disguise,
as my love becomes peacefully wise?
Do you resent my love, love of humanity
as my love is both ageless and free?
Do you resent my love,
love that gives from the start
as my love is a fine work of art?]
My good love is my enchanted treasure,

and my dwelling of pleasure
and my limitless space.
My good love always goes beyond borders
like springtime takes no orders
from any flower place.
My good love is no tool for the greedy

because when love is bleeding,
it’s above profit strife.
My good love is my only possession;
if I make wrong concessions
there’s no meaning in life.
Repeat [1]
My good love can’t be called egotistic

but in turn altruistic
for things in need to heal.
My good love comes from the little people
in constant tidal ripples
until greatness reveals.
My good love is the most dedicated

to all those alienated
for their festering sores.
My good love takes on death tougher stances
and also daring chances
so our time’s better-off.
My good love, this brave love fighting rightly,
is a sun shining brightly
for those deserving of love.
LA GAVIOTA
THE SEAGULL
Way back in the days when a cruel war was ending,

there was a fine soldier coming back unbroken;
from the lethal cold that the earth was then sending,
from some bedroom flowers that horror betoken.
He took a deep breath and looked up to the heavens.

His lips had no words but ‘blue skies’ in the offing.
As if the world’s face from all else were smooth-shaven,
a seagull then crossed the firmament above him.
[1]: [Hey, seagull! Hey, seagull! Waltz in equilibrium,

incredible cadence or tap on the shoulder.
Hey, seagull! Hey, seagull! Lily-white delirium,
lovely airborne dancer, amazement that smoulders]
So where are you going, song of the hereafter,

so fast but then again so thorough,
a shot in the temple with shrapnel as laughter,
a seagull that flies taking life that was borrowed?

a seagull came flying by, higher and higher,
like a time of love that was in fact pretending
an eventual winged heavenly empire.
Repeat [1]

a seagull came flying by, higher.
The unbroken soldier went tumbling and bending:
wounded naked orphan that bled on the mire.
EL SOL NO DA DE BEBER
THE SUN CANNOT QUENCH YOUR THIRST
In the warm shelter of a cheap motel room,

my love song used to take off all its clothes.
The day arrived, indiscreet and ungainly,
when for the sake of beauty we were vainly
more devoted to the ticking of the clock.
And so we spent a few ecstatic instants

and so our happiness went by, in brief,
hoping to keep the gaze of others distant
while interweaving our crazy existence
with caresses, worries and complicity.
[1]: [Take everything from me!

Drink it to your health!
We’ll start to fast precisely
at the break of day.
Take everything from me,
all you can invade!
We’ll have to wait forever
till the sunlight fades.
Take everything from me,
whatever goes first!
The sun cannot quench your thirst.]
To all the persecuted lousy lovers

who are condemned as well for their revolt,
I’ll let one day my friendly song discover.
I’ll mix my wine with the wine that they offer.
Excommunication will not make us jolt.
Whoever wants to cremate all my writings

with the excuse of immemorial laws
shall get from me a story quite exciting
about a sun that roams the heavens crying,
waiting for the day when it will come to glow.
Repeat [1] three times
LA MAZA
SLEDGEHAMMERS
If I did not believe in madness

born out of throats of mocking songbirds,
if I did not believe that some hills
are home of trills as well as badness;
if I did not believe in measures
as reasons for fair equilibriums;
if I did not trust in deliriums
if hoping didn’t cause me pleasure;
if I did not trust in my licence
or if my pathway didn’t matter,
if I did not trust in my clatter,
if I did not choose to remain silent,
[1]: [then I should worry:

What’s to become of sledgehammers without quarry?
A useless jumble made with ropes along with tendons,
an awful mess out of flesh and wood in plain sight,
an instrument that the sun’s glare had to abandon
since it can only be seen under the limelight;
then I should worry, heart of mine, then I should worry:
A figurehead of the class traitor for ovations,
a faithful servant of past wine in new glasses,
an agent for the sunset gods’ perpetuation,
a jubilation well boiled in sequined dresses;
What’s to become of sledgehammers without quarry?]
If I did not know about meanness,

if I did not trust in desire,
if I did not trust in my fire,
if I did not believe in cleanness,
if I did not trust with persistence
that every wound’s an obligation,
if I refused the implication
of being a champion of existence,
if listeners were not inviting,
if I did not believe in wailing,
if I did not trust what’s remaining,
If I did not trust what keeps on fighting,
Repeat [1]
LLOVER SOBRE MOJADO
WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
I wake up feeling erotic caresses.

The sun hasn’t come out but still I’m burning.
I pray before the end of those embraces
I figure out whose body I’ve been turning.
Then I’m all set to make romantic coffee.
I plunge my weary head deep in cold water.
The mirror shows a madman, looking scruffy,
who every day acts as a hopeful plotter.
Hopeful plotter!
Refrain: [So I’m learning the hard way

that every time it rains,
there’s a fair chance it pours] (bis)
I read people were killed and all that caper.

I’m shocked by death as well as egotism.
I check again the date of my newspaper
for I have read the same in older issues.
I keep on reading amid deep reflections
about daily events no one can rival
and then I find out through the culture section,
some dark past has experienced a revival,
a revival!
(Refrain)
I ask the whereabouts of an old buddy

from way back when we shared human distresses
but long-time enemies have turned him muddy
and beheaded his soul right in our presence.
It is absurd to think you’ll reach your vision
just dreaming of equality and good rules.
Your dreams come true when you, without permission,
make do with what you have to build your future,
build your future!
(Refrain)
An ordinary worker calls me ‘artist’

and nobly makes me then match his own stature.
It’s because of his kindness that my short sight
grows longer like a daydream that enraptures.
Thus ends the long day’s journey I’m relating
like a flapping of wings scattering ashes.
Tomorrow could be again captivating
under a sun that overheats and rushes,
heats and rushes!
(Refrain twice and repeat until fade)
EL DULCE ABISMO
THE SWEET ABYSS
My dearest, suppose that I’ll be distant,

so distant, my name will be forgotten,
my dearest, perhaps I’ll be somebody
less old and more resistant
that waits for his decision,
[over yonder,
climbing the abyss of sweet visions] (bis)
My dearest, suppose there are no options.

An option is everything I’m seeking.
My dearest, hold this thought that is creaking
and put it in the center
of every egoism
[to see there’s not
and absent abyss of sweet visions] (bis)
My dearest, suppose a dark oblivion

confines me in a nocturnal prison.
My dearest, new bright stars will be shining
imbued with winning reasons
of light and optimism
[and there’ll be more
inside the abyss of sweet visions] (bis)
My dearest, now clarity surrounds me,

I’m leaving while you’ll protect the garden.
My dearest, I will return as warden
on a willful clear morning
of songs and lyricism.
[I’ll come back from
the sunlit abyss of sweet visions] (bis)
EL REPARADOR DE SUEÑOS
THE INCREDIBLE DREAM FIXER
Always comes the little midget

with his own utensils
for loosening hatred and fastening true love.
Always (always, always) comes the little midget,

always playing by ear
with his cheerful effort to repair what’s broken.
[1]: [Always clearing all the stones from the road

the trash over there, just doing his job.
Always there goes this little bundle of joy
transforming the dirt in gold dust.
Always he can reach the principal hall

where a motor works generating light
and always there he performs his paramount task:
(the incredible dream fixer) (bis)]
Always gets the little midget

to a single person,
to a population, to the whole creation.
Always comes the little midget

and then from that moment
there’s no more dull silence and you hear birds trilling.
Repeat [1]
EL VAGABUNDO
THE ROAMING TRAVELLER
I know a roaming traveller from the heavens.

He wanders on his asteroid the cosmos.
No orbit and no harbour and no distance.
He shields his loneliness with all the cold in
his existence.
One day a bird arrived at his lost island,

inside a jar not bigger than his own hands.
The sight of it was poignant and demeaning
as it sang to the silence without answer,
without meaning.
The traveller never heard his fine bird singing

although he saw it trill under glass covers
until the day his interest grew stronger
and he released it from the waxen spacesuit
meant for songbirds.
The songbird floated until it froze over

just like the tears of the lone roaming traveller.
And then he put the bird inside its gold cage
to send it back to where it was acquired
without the slightest clue
of what transpired.
ME VEO CLARAMENTE
I SEE MYSELF CLEARLY
I see myself clearly

while chewing on a blade of freshly torn wet grass.
I see myself clearly so dirty and pleased.
I see myself barefoot, exploring a river
of fine drowning flowers.
I see myself clearly far away from here.
I see myself clearly while asking some questions
whose answers were well-known,
acting with indifference to someone’s advice.
I see myself clearly as quite a swashbuckler,
in fact an avenger of sugar loaf stacks.
I see myself clearly.
I see myself clearly if I just look back.
I see myself clearly while holding the darkness

in a place of learning with fear and with patience
all about good love.
I see myself sandwiched between two very hot legs
and swallowing planets one right after the other,
my sweat pouring off.
I see myself rising in the light of that hour,
laughing at the ceiling, laughing at my partner
and laughing at me.
I see myself clearly so worthy of lovers
and having to suffer brief pleasure attacks.
I see myself clearly.
I see myself clearly if I just look back.

while marching to war zones with a lot of people
and also while waging private wars as well.
the very first night with a guitar beside me
as pale as I was when
I first went to bed with my first lady friend.
I see myself watchful for internal noises,
miserably happy,
with a real desire to be better off,
I see myself clearly searching for the right words
that know how to give life and death to my love,
I see myself clearly, I see myself clearly,
see myself if I look around me at all.
LLUEVE OTRA VEZ
IT RAINS AGAIN
It rains again right here behind my temples,

between my ears, low rain clouds seem so frightening
as their darkness keeps heightening
well disguised as fierce animals that trample,
fierce animals that trample.
A woman’s walked by me in four occasions

and I have used my normal eyes to see her;
four thousand times I’ve seen her
with those eyes that withstand time’s elongation,
time’s elongation.
[1]: It rains again

where there’s no one beside me
but animals that trample
and tender adversaries.
It rains again right here behind my temples
like streets without arcades or
like vast fields without shelters]
It rains so well, the weeks end without warning.

Inside my head all Sundays seem unholy
but it’s just melancholy
that freezes hard my brain and my good morning,
my brain and my good morning.
[2]: [A woman never poised to light my fire

has condemned me to rainfall for no reason.
Since then I lived imprisoned
while drowning in her far lips I desire,
her far lips I desire]
Repeat [1] and [2]

Cuban Songbook

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CUBAN SONGBOOK

(Part 2 - Contemporary Songwriters,

Find more information on particular songs, sometimes with the stories

English Lyrics © Jorge Fernández Crespo

Today, Miss Loneliness comes knocking at my door

Today this voluble young lady begs for more

That’s why today

Dreams are like moss upon the curb stone of a well

There she is! She glances straight in my direction

Lady Melancholy, silent faithful lover

If I was granted one sole desire

A giant sweeper of sadness

If I was granted one sole desire

A giant sweeper of sadness

How I wish in the autumn

How I wish you run out soon

How I wish that the sunrise wouldn’t shout at

How I wish you run out soon…

I GIVE YOU A SONG

I scribble lots of pages dreaming of you.

I just give you a song when doors are opened

I look outside my window and I shiver.

I just give you a song and make a statement

WITH A BIT OF TRUE LOVE

With a bit of true love in my vision,

With a bit of true love

With a bit of true love I keep learning

With a bit of true love

With a bit of true love

With a bit of true love

LUCK AND CIRCUMSTANCES

When Old Peter

ONLY REAL LOVE

You ought to love

I HAVE KNOWN YOU

Throughout my childhood you were

WINGS ARE NOT REQUIRED

Wings are not required

Wings are not required

Wings are not required

I gather funds for all the poor who

I will accept whatever is useful

I’m going to gather all the ice now

I won’t give ice-cream to the one

SOME PEOPLE´S NEEDS

While time keeps passing by,

In my own nocturnal garden

There are follies that stir expectations,

There are follies like beautiful poems,

There are follies that hit

There are follies

There are follies

I enjoyed every part of you so deeply

OUR THEME SONG

In the song we sing,

MY BED WAS MADE

My bed was made this morning.

Why did you take him with you?

Come back, undo it all!

Bring that old fool back to his castle!

Leave my heart out of your endeavors!

You felt my love’s beneath you

You flew away and