El Bracero Fracasado

When I left the ranch
I didn't even have underwear
But I made it to Tijuana
Just by hitchhiking

Since I didn't have money
I stood on the corners
To see who would give me
The leftover chicken

I wanted to cross the border
Into the United States
I wanted to make money
Because that was my goal

Since I didn't have papers
Let alone passports
I crossed over the hills
All by myself and without coyotes

Later you'll see how it went

I arrived in Santa Ana with my feet all worn out,
The sandals I had were quickly worn out,
The hat and shirt I lost in the chase
That some 'whites' gave me as they almost caught me

I finally reached the highway
Starving and sleepless
I got on a freight train
Coming from Colorado

Heading to San Francisco
I sneaked into a car
But with such bad luck
They caught me in Salinas

Later you'll see how it went

The border patrol caught me by the hand,
They were saying things in English scolding me,
The gringos told me 'go back to your ranch',
But I felt really bad going back to my homeland,
As a failed bracero without money and without a thread