El ahijado de la muerte [English translation]

Happily I sing because

I see joy in my home,1

the music is playing

and couples are dancing.

Today the sun bestows its light2

and my sky is its crystal,

I sing my most resounding song

to my unparalleled homeland.

I am the godson of Death

who respects my courage.

La Llorona3 amuses me

with her sorrowful song.

I am cheerful by nature

because I was born to be festive4

and I maintain my belief

of being a very honest man.

Maybe that's why

I live my life singing,

looking for Death;

unable to find her.

Where I'm going

there's no cloudy sky,

that's why I'm happy

with my life.

I have sowed my path

with a thousand flowers of hope

and that's why I've filled

my heart with happiness.

Come dear music,

make my heart quiver,

because with music in your life

there's no sadness nor suffering.

Maybe that's why

I live my life singing,

looking for Death;

unable to find her.

Where I'm going

there's no cloudy sky,

that's why I'm happy

with my life.

1. lit. 'place'2. lit. 'gold'3. refers to a traditional Mexican song and dance, also refers to the folk legend. It can refer to both and can be read as 'her' or 'its', either way death is personified as a 'she'.4. lit. 'to / in a carnival' as in, surrounded by a festival, everything is festive

• Artist:Jorge Negrete