My dear friend, please forgive me
If I don't visit you
But since a messenger's just appeared
I'm sending news on this tape
Here on earth they're playing football
There's lots of samba, lots of crying and rock'n'roll
Some days it rains, other days the sun shines
But what I want to tell you is that things here are bleak
We bear the situation with a lot of dirty tricks
We go on bearing it stubbornly and with tantrums
And we go on drinking even without liquor*
No-one's got this rocket steady
My dear friend, I don't mean to provoke
Or fuel your homesickness
But as it happens, I can't get away
To tell you the news
Here on earth they're playing football
There's lots of samba, lots of crying and rock'n'roll
Some days it rains, other days the sun shines
But what I want to tell you is that things here are bleak
There's a song and dance to earn the daily bread
We go on earning in a sulk, just for fun
And we go on smoking, again, without a cigarette
No-one's got this rocket steady
My dear friend, I even wanted to call
But the rates aren't funny
I'm doing my best to keep you up to date
With everything that's happening
Here on earth they're playing football
There's lots of Samba, lots of crying and rock-n-roll
Some days it rains, other days the sun shines
But what I want to tell you is that things here are bleak
There's lots of grimacing to choke down the deal
We're choking down every frog on the path
And we go on loving, again without affection
No-one's got this rocket steady
My dear friend, I'd have liked to write to you
But the mailman was timid
If they let me, I'll try to send you
Fresh news on this disc
Here on earth they're playing football
There's lots of Samba, lots of crying and rock-n-roll
Some days it rains, other days the sun shines
But what I want to tell you is that things here are bleak
Marieta sends a kiss for all your lot
A kiss for your family, for Cecilia and the kids
Francis takes the chance to send his regards
To all the guys as well
Goodbye