I heard Woodrow Wilson's guns

I heard Maria crying

Late last night I heard the news

That Veracruz was dying

Veracruz was dying



Someone called Maria's name

I swear it was my father's voice

Saying, "If you stay you'll all be slain

You must leave now - you have no choice

Take the servants and ride west

Keep the child close to your chest

When the American troops withdraw

Let Zapata take the rest"



I heard Woodrow Wilson's guns

I heard Maria calling

Saying, "Veracruz is dying

And Cuernavaca's falling"



Aquel dia yo jure (On that day I swore

Hacia el puerto volvere To the port I will return

Aunque el destino cambio mi vida Even though destiny changed my life

En Veracruz morire In Veracruz I shall die

Aquel dia yo jure On that day I swore)



I heard Woodrow Wilson's guns

I heard them in the harbor

Saying, "Veracruz is dying