
THE SONG

The Adelita
Lyrics and music: Antonio Gil del Río Armenta
At the top of a steep mountain range
a regiment was encamped
and a brave girl followed him
madly in love with the sergeant.
Adelita was popular with the troops.
the woman the sergeant idolized
that besides being brave she was pretty
that even the colonel himself respected her.
And it was heard
that said
the one who loved her so much…
If Adelita were to go with another
I would follow her by land and sea
if by sea, on a warship
if by land, on a military train.
And if I happen to die in the campaign
and they are going to bury my corpse
Adelita, for God's sake I beg you
that with your eyes you will make me cry.
If Adelita wanted to be my wife
And if Adelita were my wife
I would buy her a silk dress
to take her dancing at the barracks.
* * *
There are other versions of the corrido that include the verses reproduced below. Some of them can be heard in the recording of this corrido made by Jorge Negrete , which can be heard in the Gallery section. from this page.
One night when the escort was returning
leading the sergeant through their ranks
by the voice of a woman sobbing
the prayer was heard in the camp.
And upon hearing it, the fearful sergeant
of losing his beloved forever
hiding her pain under the shawl
He sang to his beloved in this way…
Sound the campaign bugle for war
Let the brave warrior come out to fight
the streams of blood will run
that a tyrant governs, never.
And if I happen to die in the campaign
and my body will remain in the mountains
Adelita, for God's sake I beg you
that with your eyes you will make me cry.
Don't cry anymore, dear Adelita
Don't cry anymore, dear woman
don't be ungrateful to me
Don't make me suffer so much anymore.
I say goodbye, dear Adelita.
I'm already moving away from my only pleasure
Never expect caution from me
nor will I change you for another woman.
I am a soldier and the homeland calls me
to the fields where he goes to fight
Adelita, Adelita of the soul
Please don't forget me, for God's sake.
Walking in the countryside at night
I hear the bugle calling for assembly
and I repeat in the depths of my soul
Adelita is my only love.
I'm saying goodbye now, dear Adelita.
I would like to take a memory of you
I carry your portrait on my chest
as a shield that makes me triumph.