Is it about a woman, or The Man?
Google shows a lack of English translations of Silvio Rodriguez’ song “Ojalá,” which, in addition to being a famous anti-fascist anthem, is the also best break-up song ever. Ojalá, borrowed from Arabic, means “God willing.” (Let me know if you find a mistake.)
OJALÁ Silvio Rodriguez, 1969
God willing, the leaves won’t touch your body when they fall, Because if they did, they’d turn to crystal. God willing, if rain could fall on you, it would be a miracle God willing, the moon can come out without you God willing, the earth no longer kisses your steps.
God willing, you could stop this constant hallucination With just the right word, the perfect smile, God willing, if something could erase you quickly A blinding light, a snowstorm, God willing–any less would kill me. To stop seeing you so, to stop seeing you forever, In every second, in all these visions, God willing–but I can’t touch you in a song.
God willing, the screams of the morning sun Won’t fall upon my back. God willing, my voice will forget your name. God willing, the walls of these tired streets won’t keep your sounds, God willing, desire will haunt you Till you rule only over the flowers and the dead.
God willing, you could stop this constant hallucination With just the right word, the perfect smile, God willing, if something could erase you quickly A blinding light, a snowstorm, God willing–any less would kill me. To stop seeing you so, to stop seeing you forever, In every second, in all these visions, God willing–but I can’t touch you in a song.