California

We left Cuba, in hard times
By decree, the cha cha cha was not danced
He emigrated through Mariel,
Changed his identity and fooled everyone
I, for being a military's son
Threw myself into the sea on a raft much later

In Miami they say he was on the corner
Selling lotto to make a living
Then he went to New York
Couldn't stand the cold and headed west
Hitchhiking, he took a chance
And his dream of California came true

I was left out like a car's license plate
Said a very sad grandfather in Baradero
If it weren't for the asthma that afflicts me
In the hold of a ship, I would be another passenger

If it rains over there, it doesn't stop here
A very particular case happened to me in Tampa
To earn a living
I had to wear a skirt to advertise household products
A lady spotted my antenna
And said this guy won't pass even if he dresses like a pope

Not everyone is Barbie, not everyone is a giant
There are also dwarfs like Paco the mayor
And with the story that all that glitters is gold
In Arizona, they put on me a shitty bow tie
Like those of a bull
Standing in line to collect welfare
And they told me go back to where you're from
They shouted it in unison
In unison, sir!

(To get to California and take a step)
Because over there there's no yuca or ayaca
There's no yuca or ayaca, there's none of that
(I'm dancing California, cha cha cha)
What's wrong with you, I didn't understand
What you said, that I didn't hear
(To get to California and take a step)
Just one little step to reach you
(I'm dancing California, cha cha cha)
And what fruits boiling the cha cha cha
(To get to California and take a step)

Look at me!
(And take a step)
Walking, walking, walking to reach you
(I'm dancing California)
How joyful I'll be when I see you
(Cha cha cha)
A kiss, love, and a dream, and the fire I bring
(To get to California)
To arrive, to arrive
(And take a step)
With a gentle step, give me the sign you know
(I'm dancing California)
And I'll go, and you know, you know, you know