Cants De Batre [English translation]

Don't plant the vine on a slope

nor sow wheat in the ravine

nor marry a foreigner

for she will surely cheat.

Gentlemen, is it not a shame

that such a joyful man

during times of labor1

should be in bed?.

With that blushing face2

and a head of curls

each time I look at you

I fall further in love.

Finally, the sun has set

the hens head for the pen

my master will reluctantly

pay me a full day's wage.

My uncle is very wonderful

and when he dies I'll inherit

a guitar and a tambourine

and his gift for singing3.

1. when it's the season for working in the fields2. lit. 'those colors on her face'3. 'I'll be able to sing as well as he did'