Paloma querida [English translation]

In honor of the day you entered my life

darling dove, I raised my glass;

and upon feeling a bit giddy

at the thought of your lips,

it caused an urge to sing.

I felt far larger than anyone else

and I wanted to pull down a fistful of stars for you;

and when I realized I couldn’t reach any of them,

it maddened me and made me want to cry.

I don’t know how much my life is worth

but I’ve come to give it to you.

I don’t know if your love would care to take it,

but I’ve come to leave it with you.

You found me on a dark pathway

like an aimless pilgrim lacking assurance;

and the light of your heavenly eyes

transformed my lot into blessing and delight.

And from there, I felt myself loving you

with every force given me by my soul.

And then from there, darling dove,

my breast transformed into a dovecote.

I don’t know how much my life is worth

but I’ve come to give it to you.

I don’t know if your love would care to take it,

but I’ve come to leave it with you.

• Artist:José Alfredo Jiménez