La ballata del Miché [English translation]

When they opened the cell

It was too late because

with a rope around his neck

cold, suspended was MIché.

Every time that a rooster

I hear sing, I'll think

of that night in prison

when Miché hanged himself.

Tonight Miché

hanged himself on a nail because

he couldn't wait twenty years in prison

far away from you

I know that Miché

wanted to die so that

you'd be left with the memory of the deep love

that he had for you.

Even though Miché

didn't write to you explaining why

he left this world, you know that he did it

solely for you.

They had given him twenty years

the court decided it so

Because one day he had killed

he who wanted to steal Marí from him.

Hence they condemned him

twenty years in prison to rot

But now that he hanged himself

they have to open him the door.

In the darkness Miché

left knowing that, to you

he could no longer say that he had killed

because he loved you

Tomorrow at three

he'll fall at the potters field

Without a pries or mass, because for a suicide

they have no pity

Tomorrow Miché

will be in the damp soil

and a cross with his name and date, someone

will place over him.

• Artist:Fabrizio De André
• Album:La ballata del Miché/La ballata dell’eroe (1961)