Mala Amarela

It was 4:30, just a bit past
And a dim light was cutting through the fog
It was the night train, coming into view
And soon it stopped at the old station
My body was shaking, my eyes were wet
My dad by my side and the suitcase on the ground
I kissed his face and said right then
The world outside is waiting for me, Dad

I jumped on the train, ran to the window
And grabbed the yellow suitcase from the old man
The train took off, blew its horn loudly
And there again, I kissed his hand
A little further ahead, I saw my little house
And my mom standing at the gate
She didn’t see me, and as the train sped on
I heard the barks of the old Sultan

A certain man from the seat next to mine
Told me he was coming from the Paraná
And he also said politely
It’s the first time I’ve left the countryside
I asked for his advice, and he told me
Young man, old age is really tough
I’m much older and can give you some advice
It’s hard to be far from your parents
I never forgot what the old man said
Time passed, and I returned home
Those who stay away never really adjust
There on the platform, I spotted my folks
I got off, moved, hugged him and her
And the yellow suitcase, my son, I didn’t see
Dad, believe the words of a man
To avoid going hungry, I sold the suitcase

What a shame, what a shame, it was my memory
That I brought as an inheritance from your grandpa,
But let it go, I’ll forget it,
The inheritance is you, and you’ve come back.