El Albertío

The Albertío

Violeta Parra

I don't know why my God
lavishes with generosity
a hat with so many ribbons
to someone who has no head.
Where does the ox that doesn't plow go,
he promptly answers,
if you don't have the answer
prepare your coffin.
It's worth more in this world
to be clean of feelings,
many wear white clothes
and God forbid me inside.
I gave you my heart,
return it to me immediately,
I have realized in time
that you didn't deserve it.
Silence must be measured,
words must be measured,
without staying or going over
halfway across the line.
I long for a Peiro,
how could I not long for him,
if he has given me the key
to all that is celestial.
And you gave me the secret
of a lock without a key,
like saying the key
to the trash can.
Stop bucking,
I wasn't born to be a rider,
I have enough Valentinos,
Gardeles, and Negretes.
Careful stepping on stones
watch out for bunions,
because no one is born here
with a star on their forehead.
Discreet, refined, and simple
are shining jewels
with which a true man
shines decently.
(this last stanza is sung a bit faster)
Alberto, he said, my name is,
he replied. nice sound,
but to be called Alberto
you have to be truly Albertío.