When I saw the land burning Like a bonfire on St. John's Day I asked God in the heavens above Oh, why such a cruel torment? What hell-fire, what a furnace! Not even a single planted tree I lost my cattle for lack of water My horse died of thirst Even the white-wing dove Flew away from this backland So I said, farewell Rosy Keep my heart with you Today a long way away In a sad solitude I wait for rain to fall again So I can go back to my land When the green of your eyes Spreads over this land again I assure you, don't cry, hear? That I will return, my dear