by Violeta Parra (1960-63) From the CD "Songs and Rhythms from Chile".

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La Carta Me mandaron una carta por el correo temprano, en esa carta me dicen que cayó preso mi hermano, y sin compasión, con grillos, por la calle lo arrastraron, sí. La carta dice el motivo de haber prendido a Roberto haber apoyado el paro que ya se había resuelto. Si acaso esto es un motivo presa voy también, sargento, si. Yo que me encuentro tan lejos esperando una noticia, me viene a decir la carta que en mi patria no hay justicia, los hambrientos piden pan, plomo les da la milicia, sí. De esta manera pomposa quieren conservar su asiento los de abanico y de frac, sin tener merecimiento, van y vienen de la iglesia y olvidan los mandamientos, sí. Habrase visto insolencia, barbarie y alevosía, de presentar el trabuco y matar a sangre fría a quien defensa no tiene con las dos manos vacías, si. La carta que he recibido me pide contestación, yo pido que se propague por toda la población, que el «león» es un sanguinario en toda generación, sí. Por suerte tengo guitarra para llorar mi dolor, también tengo nueve hermanos fuera del que se engrilló, los nueve son comunistas con el favor de mi Dios, sí.

The Letter They sent me a letter by the morning mail in this letter they told me that my brother was imprisoned and without compassion, with shackles, they dragged him through the street, oh yes. The letter said the reason that Robert was arrested was that he supported the strike that had already been settled If this is really the reason I'm going to prison too, Sargeant, oh yes. I find myself so far away Awaiting news The letter comes to me and says that in my country there is no justice The hungry ask for bread the militia gives them bullets, oh yes. In this arrogant manner They want to preserve their position Those who have fans and frocks Without deserving them They come and go from church and forget the commandment, oh yes. We've seen insolence, barbarity and treachery Bringing out shotguns And killing in cold blood Those who have no defense With their two hands empty, oh yes. The letter I've received Asks me for a reply I ask that it be told to all the population That the Lion is bloodthirsty in every generation, oh yes. By luck I have a guitar To weep my sorrow I also have nine brothers Besides the one in prison The nine are Communists By the grace of God, oh yes. Translation by David Anderson with help from Hernán Sottolichio