A la sombra de un bambú [English translation]

How do you want me to love you,

mulatto, enthusiastically,

if you've already given your heart

to more than three or four guys1.

You tell me to love you, yes,

you tell me to love you, no,

I don't want your kisses like that,

I who am a runaway slave2

Oh, Oh, delight, sun of Cuba,

I go away towards the bushes

to the shade of a bamboo

so that there I will love you

and also you will love me,

until the morning sun comes

with its light to call us.

Oh, oh, oh, delight, sun of Cuba,

in the shade of a Bamboo.

Your mouth red and delicious,

your teeth white like stocks,

your cheeks are two white

flowers from a floribunda rose.

Mulatto, don't tell me no,

mulatto, now tell me yes,

and so we'll only be

you for me and I for you.

Oh, come with me to Colombia,

Cuban girl of my soul,

because there I have a ranch

to live in all my life

where I can love you

and adore you day and night.

1. literally: two and four2. or could it mean "a wild negro"?

• Artist:Antonio Molina