El Paisano
Victor Manuel
The Countryman
Let the bells ring out
let all arms open,
our countryman is back in Asturias,
our fellow is here.
How could your militant heart
not feel resentment
for gaining freedom
step by step through the mountains.
They weren't glorious years
nor were they a failure,
I didn't know your name
or that of your closest friend.
They gave specific orders
to search for you tirelessly,
it must be hard to live
hiding every day.
From village to village you walked
eluding those who sought you,
sleeping in the barns,
disappearing at dawn.
You were writing that story
that has not yet ended,
years of war and prison
laid the foundation.
Just by looking at your face
and hearing your words:
about death and hatred
a nation cannot rise.
Neither humiliated nor defeated,
nor cowards nor scoundrels,
this land will be for all
who want to improve it.
Let the bells ring out
let all arms open,
our countryman is back in Asturias,
our fellow is here.
With his first and last name
and pushing the same cart,
even the stones, if they could speak,
would speak well of Horacio.
