La Coyota [English translation]

In Sierra de Fresnillo

near Ojo del Agua

there's talk of an apparition

that on moonlit nights

wanders around singing her fate

that today is being told in a ballad.

The tale that is mentioned here

took place some time ago

because of a traitress;

that for being the most beautiful

and for her good manners,

was very loved in the past.

They called her La Coyota1

because she deceived men,

she toyed with her lovers

and then she would reject them

Because of her there is sorrow

in the soul of Casimiro,

that for believing she was good,

they killed him with one shot.

Those in his neighborhood would tell him:

"Watch out, Casimiro,

do not take her as a wife,

she's no longer what you dreamed of,

the hurricanes of time

have depetaled that rose".

The love he had for her

put a veil on his eyes

and they soon got married,

but on leaving the church

Chenco and Pomposo Jiménez

killed him without compassion.

They called her La Coyota

because she deceived men,

but she paid for her infamies

with the love she had longed for,

for the Knight of Cups2

the knave3 lost her sword.

And here ends the ballad

of the lying Coyota.

1. The Coyote2. The Knight of Cups card from a Tarot deck

represents a person who is friendly,

intelligent, with high principles,

but a dreamer who can be easily persuaded.3. The jack, page or knave of swords is a tarot card, usually represents a villain/spy/liar

• Artist:Chavela Vargas