The day I die
let nobody hold a wake for me
Let every single friend of mine
drink and sing in unison
That the bombo drums resound
loudly; may they be heard in the heavens,
so that way Father God will know
that the new arrival is Santiago del Estero folk.
Let my friends see the sunrise
while praying and telling stories
Let nobody mourn, wear black,
or cry at any time.
That is all I ask
of my dear friends.
When I die, light up some fireworks,
and spray wine on me
As soon as I get there,
I will make St. Peter hold a big party.
I will teach him how to play the bombo drums,
and our provincial card games
I will create several drinking dens
for the Carnival, dancing floors,
games, contests,
also horse races.
That's what I will do in Heaven
the day that I am deceased:
I'll make room for Santiagueños
and kick out the Tucumanos
That is all I ask
of my dear friends
When I die, light up some fireworks,
and spray wine on me