Una de Romanos [English translation]

Have you seen the TV series about cinema

in Franco’s time?

I’m that kid who grew up in the ranks

of the armless cripples.

If a finger caressed a leg, a neck, a bra,

the dreaded flashlight of the usher bellowed.

She had seen fourteen Aprils [en canal?],

a cardigan on her knees to hide;

that chocolate candy flavor, skin, saliva and sweat…

[the memory] puts goose bumps in my heart.

On the screen Delilah cut off Samson’s hair,

and in the back row of the theater

you and I learned in knee socks.

Finger games in the darkness of a theater in summertime,

finger games…they always showed one about the Romans*.

It was essential to plan well the way

to enter the black and white semi-darkness of the No-Do,

and while in the arena a lion killed a Christian,

the girl let herself be kissed (so that her brother not catch

her).

If they premiered Cleopatra and asked for ID,

I went with a tie and ointment that cures acne,

until that bike of my childhood was losing its brakes

and in the flick they showed afterwards the good guys never won.

And while on the screen Nero set fire to Rome,

against the last hurdle of the cinema

and in knee socks you and I learned.

Finger games in the darkness of a theater in summertime,

finger games…they always showed one about the Romans.

(2x)

Now with everyone watching American porn videos,

I rent one about the Romans to see with you.

• Artist:Joaquin Sabina
• Album:El hombre del traje gris