Mamitay

From the valley to the town
I’m singing
Vidalas and huaynos
To the beat of the drum, mamitay
Vidalas and huaynos
That you taught me to sing

You can never let go
Oh, oh, without pain
That the vidalas leave
From here forever, mamitay
That the vidalas leave
From the local cacharpayas

Since you’re not here
My nightingale doesn’t sing
And in the ravine, only
The vidala cries out
While the hills call your name
To the beat of the drums, mamitay

When I start to sing
Under the eaves
I see you sitting alone
Looking at the hills, mamitay
I see you sitting alone
Playing with the dust in your hands

I grieve so much to cry
In my silence
I feel you up there in the sky
Far away and dear, mamitay
I feel you up there in the sky
The clouds taking you by, kissing you as they pass

Since you’re not here
My nightingale doesn’t sing
And in the ravine, only
The vidala cries out
While the hills call your name
To the beat of the drums, mamitay