Balada de Tolito [English translation]

Tolito has a die and a dove,

a cough and a glass full of wine,

and some ropes with dirt from the roads,

roads that never would lead to Rome.

Magician of the decks of cards and smiles,

roaming juggler of the open plazas,

heart that comes out through the shirt,

walking boots without hurry nor half sole.

The performance begins, pay attention,

the circus fits in a seat of the carriage.

The performance begins, pay attention,

second-rate ticket, next station.

Had it not been for the soul and for the long hair,

from his neighbours he wouldn't be distinguished.

His profession is to turn his neck to pain

and open the window to fantasy.

In order to sleep like a log it's enough for him

to have wine, bread and tobacco.

Maybe he raffles your comb that reads the cards

and takes out the king of clubs from his underarm.

If you want to see him, come, look on the platform,

Tolito is always getting off of some train.

If you want to see him, come, look on the platform,

Tolito is always getting on the first train.

Each time that two wanderers meet,

they tell their adventures and their quarrels,

they hang on the night a question mark

and they arrive to the end of the bottles.

Later, between four walls and two simple

mattresses, rescued from misery,

they exchange tricks and secrets

from the art of going around from fair to fair.

"Give us two more cups before closing,

dying should be to stop walking.

Give us two more cups before closing,

today I drink to your health, tomorrow time will tell."

• Artist:Joaquin Sabina
• Album:Juez y parte