El Cardenalito

The Little Cardinal

Here is the little cardinal
The cardinal of the Guarico plains
The one from the old lagoon
The true serenader
The same as fifteen years ago
And the fourth of memories

I was born in fifty-three
August fourth on a winter night
The countryside, the guatacaros
The Santamaria soil
Received me one morning with lightning and thunder

I always walk straight ahead
I have never been a liar
I am quite religious
For me, my dog comes first
Those who know me know
Whether I am bad or good

Modesta, Enguaima, and Nicasio
Nicasio Armas, the ones who brought me into the world
My mother, it is not necessary
To tell her how much I love her
My old man passed away
May God have him in heaven

Master harpist, you who can
I know you can pull hard on the bass string
Because tonight I am willing
To give you my love
To the most beautiful woman
Who is at the gathering
And after I fall in love
My friend, let the sun rise or set

I will spend all my time
Exuding inspiration
As a Guariqueño does
When he gives his heart
Let anyone who wants a partner
In my joropo, there is no discrimination

Let them dance with stomping feet
Tapping that heel
With the harp, cuatro, and maracas
Let's pay tribute
Let the snob enjoy it
With the rich man's daughter
The little black girl Dorotea
With the dark-skinned Juan Ramón
And even old Bety
Dance with Uncle Simón

This is the first time I sing a 'merecure'
How it is sung in Apure
Casorla and Corozo Pando
I am crossing the plains
With my verse and my 'corrio'
Blessed be this land of mine
Of singular beauty
Blessed be the palm grove
The 'arrendajo' and the singing 'paraulata'

Blessed be the 'bora' flower
The 'bora' flower
That lulls in the stream
Blessed be the bull
With pointed semblance
Blessed be the white heron
With its rhythmic flight

Blessed be the spirited horse
Pasture-trotter and fast
Give me talent, my God
To sing to my plain
And feel sovereign
Oh sovereign
With the gallantry of the brave
And blessed forever
Forever always
My Venezuelan people