La Lira [English translation]

In front of the mirror, Mary Honest

Puts on her best dress

While, afar, the orchestra is playing.

Her fiance is awaiting her

On the dancefloor, where the magnolia tree

Shall hear how, whispering and with much feeling,

Without the caress of a kiss

They shall bid each other farewell forever more.

They are so poor and, in order to make some money,

Tomorrow he

Is leaving for the Americas...

John Hardwork, on the deck of an enormous ship,

Travels across the immense seas toward his dream.

And, if longing fills his heart,

The image of his beloved waves at him from the horizon...

Always toward the horizon!

But, John Hardwork didn't make any money!

Maybe not very shrewd... Maybe too honest,

He couldn't escape poverty.

Alone, sad and tired

Of searching so many good turns without finding one,

He thought about going back, but (he was) fearful

Of his own people

Not being able to love him again...

And thus it was that John Hardwork,

Without a penny

Returned from the Americas.

But everyone welcomed him with arms wide open

And he found again the lover he wanted so much.

They had a wealth of difficulties and kindnesses

And the gods gave them years, to lengthen their destiny...

To lengthen their destiny!

A long time has passed, but the great magnolia tree

Still covers with its shadow the place where, before,

They held a ball every Sunday...

And the lovers,

Who walk under it every evening while embracing,

Are reached by the very distant echo

Of a ball in which, maybe,

The Lira Orchestra was playing.

And the laughter of those who, deep inside their hearts,

Knew how to find

The greatest treasure in the Americas...

• Artist:Lluís Llach
• Album:Porrera Món (1995)