Paul Simon: Born In Puerto Rico

(Paul Simon)

SALVADOR
I was born in Puerto Rico
We came here when I was a child
Before I reached the age of sixteen
I was running with the gang and we were wild

He keeps looking but he don't recognize me.
Some guy from Lexington or Park
Red beans and rice from kitchen windows
Supper-time and the barrio is dark.

No one knows you like I do
Nobody can know your heart the way I do
No one can testify to all that you've been through
But I will.

SAL & THE VAMPIRES
I was born in Puerto Rico
And my blood is Taino
Spanish Caribbean my soul

SALVADOR
We came here wearing summer clothes in winter
Hearts of sunshine in the cold
Your family rented this apartment
You'd watch the street lamps from your perch
In the sacramental hour your stepfather in black
Preached the fire of the Pentecostal Church
No one knows you like I do
Nobody can know your heart the way I do
No one can testify to all that you've been through
But this will.

SAL & THEVAMPIRES
I was born in Puerto Rico
Came here when I was a child.

SALVADOR
Small change and sunlight, then I left these streets
for good.
My days as short as they were wild.

CARLOSAPACHE
I'm Carlos Apache

ANGEL SOTO
Angel Soto

FRENCHY CORDERO
Frenchy Cordero

BABU CHARLIE CRUZ
Babu Charlie Cruz

SALVADOR
Your features blurred in every grainy photo
And fading headline of the Daily News

Wiltwyck School for Criminal Children
Auburn, Brooklyn House of D.,
Dannemora, Sing-Sing, Attica,
Greenhaven

SALVADOR
Twenty years inside, today you're free.

You cannot even read your story
The pages piling up in shame
Before the words released you, the guard would
kill the light
The night you took The Capeman for your name.

CHORUS
I was born in Puerto Rico
I was born in Puerto Rico
I was born in Puerto Rico
I was born in Puerto Rico
I was born in Puerto Rico
I was born in Puerto Rico
I was born in Puerto Rico
I was born in Puerto Rico

LAZARUS
Yo naci en Puerto Rico
Yo naci en Puerto Rico
Mi corazon es Puerto R.ICO
Mi alma es Puerto Rico