Sensemayá [Canto para matar una culebra] [English translation]

The snake has glass eyes;

the snake comes and tangles in a stick

with his glass eyes, in a stick,

with his glass eyes.

The snake walks without feet;

the snake hides in the grass;

walking it hides in the grass,

walking without feet.

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

You hit it with the axe and it dies:

Hit it!

Don't hit it with the foot, because it bites you!

Don't hit it with the foot, because it leaves!

Sensemayá, the snake, sensemayá.

Sensemayá, with its eyes, sensemayá.

Sensemayá, with its tongue, sensemayá.

Sensemayá, with its mouth, sensemayá.

The dead snake can't eat,

the dead snake can't whistle,

can't walk, can't run.

The dead snake can't look,

the dead snake can't drink,

can't breath, can't bite.

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Sensemayá, the snake

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Sensemayá, doesn't move

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Sensemayá, the snake

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Mayombe—bombe—mayombé!

Sensemayá, is dead