Toca madera [English translation]

You have nothing to fear,

put on a brave face in bad times,

the Constitution protects you,

the law defends you,

the police guards you,

the union supports you,

the system backs you up

and the birdies sing

and the clouds lift.

Cross your fingers,

touch wood.

Don't go under that ladder.

And avoid number thirteen

and the black cat.

Don't get up onto your left foot.

And put in your pocket

wrapped in your star chart

a rabbit's foot

in case a mirror breaks

or the salt spills.

And follow your horoscope

and your biorhythm.

Don't even think about wearing yellow.

And if in spite of everything

life presents you with

a "sold out" sign

remember

that stepping on shit

brings good luck.

Touch wood

touch wood

Cross your fingers,

touch wood.

You have nothing to fear ...

Lift your hearts...

You have nothing to fear

but you can never have too many of certain precautions.

Cross your fingers,

touch wood.

Don't go under that ladder.

And avoid number thirteen

and the black cat.

Don't get up onto your left foot.

For referees and judges

also take a nap.

With your olive branch and your dove

walking the tight-rope

between love and death.

And follow your horoscope

and your biorhythm.

Don't even think about wearing yellow.

And if in spite of everything

life presents you with

a "sold out" sign

remember

that stepping on shit

brings good luck.

Touch wood

touch wood

Cross your fingers,

touch wood.

Gird up your loins,

take a deep breath,

swallow,

start running,

and open the door,

go into the street,

cross your fingers,

touch wood.

Touch wood

touch wood

Cross your fingers,

touch wood.

• Artist:Joan Manuel Serrat
• Album:Utopía