Lampedusa [English translation]

I think of you, my love,

I who am far from our lands.

I go there for you, my love,

for mama and for my brothers.

Down there it's a haven,

I will soon be on the doorstep

Oh it's Europe over there.

But on this sea of reefs

under this grieving moon

we bail, we bail.

Tell my ancestors and tell mama

that it will be wonderful on1 Lampedusa.

Oh tell my grandparents

and tell it to Moussa,

I'll have happy days on Lampedusa.

I think of you, my love,

you, what are you doing?

Don't worry, my love,

soon you'll be so proud.

And even if the weather goes bad,

even if the wind plagues us

I'll get there soon.

Even if the wind hits us

the next stop is El Dorado.

Tell my grandparents and tell Mama

that all will be better on Lampedusa.

Oh tell my grandparents

tell it to Moussa

I'll have happy days on Lampedusa.

Oh my God, my God,

I have dreamt so much of this place.

I went there for you and me.

I have deamt so much of this place,

this place that I won't like.

Oh if you knew, my God,

how cold I am.

O my God, my God,

I said goodby to you,

but don't tell Mama,

I shall see your eyes again.

I understand their dance

while I'm sinking2 out there

off Lampedusa.

Oh my God, my God

I've dreamt so much of being me,

say nothing to Mama.

Oh I'm sinking out there by Lampedusa.

I think of you, my love,

this thought will be my last.

1. on not at as Lampdusa is an island2. see authors comments