Milonga de Contrafilo

Gentlemen, I'm gonna embrace this wood with respect
To let my song out in this place
I don't know if you'll like it once I start the tale
'Cause the dough I've kneaded in my life ain't sweet
The road gives experience to those who stop being green

Fear makes a man quiet when he's weak
And it's sad, the poor guy, 'cause he was born to shake
Some, by being pushy, turn into bosses
And they think they're lions, ready to eat anyone
Oh, how I wish you could see it! Barking even in the back

That's why I'm gonna let loose this country milonga without a muzzle
'Cause this is how I learned to sing

Out there, they might say I'm dumb and loud
Maybe 'cause I'm well-grounded
I hit hard in the game
And while I rise up
They stay dragging behind

I never sang in hiding
Nor have I been seen on my knees
Maybe a bit disheveled
But always standing tall
I never wanted to stray
Like a fool in the path
Nor will they say, look, there's the herd
Like sheep to the slaughter
Nor will I change my underwear
For the shouts of a boss

Maybe I've slipped up
But the die is cast
I don't ask for forgiveness or anything
'Cause I'm coming in strong
Even if I'm not well-versed
I've got vision and guts
I was never wrapped up in a woman
Maybe 'cause I'm always alert
And I've seen many brothers
Stumbling halfway through the journey

The man pulls and tugs trying to change his luck
Until death comes along and pushes him around
The reasons and the cash are worthless
Their so-called greatness will end up in the hole
And in the coffin, only the bones weigh

That's why I like to roam
Without a hurry on the path
Dreaming under the stars
In fields without fences
By the edge of some grove
Making fire with thistles
And saddling some bitter ones
While thoughts take flight
Carrying them on the wind
Like in a long gallop

This way of singing
I didn't learn among doctors
Nor among famous singers
By backing down
If to stand out
You have to turn into a calf
And live curled up
Behind some fat guy
I'll stay in the crowd
But without brands or chains

I don't know where I'll end up
With this pagan song
But my folks will know
That I never betrayed them
And just like that, I'll return
Even dead and buried
'Cause the singers will come out in droves, unchained
Sowing with their guitars the truths I've sung.