Pa'l que se va

For the one who leaves

(Chamarrita)

Don't forget about your roots
if you're leaving for the city
the further you go
the more you have to remember.
Certainly, there are many things
that can be forgotten
but some are forgetfulness
and others are just things.
Don't pack in your suitcase
what you won't use
the roads are longer
for those who carry too much.
Now that you're a young man
and you smoke like the best of them
never change your path
even if you don't have money for cigarettes.
And if you feel sadness
when you look back
remember that the road
is for those coming and going.

Don't forget about your roots
if you're leaving for the city
the further you go
the more you have to remember.
The further you go
the more you have to remember.

(Punctuation and versification by Alfredo Zitarrosa)