Monica Grabin: Music/Programs

This one began as a cowboy poem written in 1915 by Charles Badger Clark, Jr., “poet lariat” of South Dakota. It tells a story of loss across geographical and racial divides. I’ve never heard anyone else sing the whole poem, and the racial element is always left out, but I thought it was important and added to the poignancy of the story.

LYRICS

Spanish is the loving tongue, soft as music, light as spray
Was a girl I learned it from, living down Sonora way.
I don't look much like a lover, yet I say her love words over.
Mostly when I'm all alone -- mi amor, mi corazon.

Nights when she knew where I'd ride she would listen for my spurs
Fling the big door open wide, raise them laughin' eyes of hers.
And my heart would near stop beating, when I heard her tender greeting,
Whispered soft for me alone -- mi amor, mi corazon.

Moonlight on the patio, the old Senora nodding near
Me and Juana talking low, so the Madre couldn't hear.
How those hours would get to flyin; all too soon I'd hear her sighing
In her little sorry tone -- adios, mi corazon.

But one time I had to fly, for a foolish gambling fight,
And we said a swift goodbye in that black unlucky night.
When I'd loosed her arms from clingin', with her words the hoofs kept ringin',
As I galloped north alone -- adios, mi corazon.

Never seen her since that night; I can't cross the line, you know.
She was Mex and I was white, Like as not, it's better so.
Yet I've always sort of missed her, since that last wild night I kissed her.
Left her heart and lost my own. Adios mi corazon.