May God Forgive MeIf only my hidden soul
Could reveal itself
And what I suffer in silence
Could be divulged
Everyone would see
Just what a wretch am I
How I fein happiness
How I cry as I sing
May God forgive me
If it is a crime or sin
But I am this way
And by running away from the fado
I would run from myself.
I clamour as I sing
And I feel no pain
If it is then a sin
To love fado
May God forgive me
When I sing I do not ponder
About how difficult life is
I am not even myself
Nor does pain affect me
I realize I want the truth
And by dreaming - an imense dream-
That all is happiness
And sadness does not exist.
One of the first records that I ever put on a turntable, in my LIFE. About 55 years ago? I’m pushing 60! It was called Fado and Flamenco Favorites, if memory serves. Now I live near her home, and I’m able to say and sing things in her language, and I offer her eternal gratitude.