I heard Woodrow Wilson's guns
I heard Maria crying
Late last night I heard the news
That Veracruz was dying
Veracruz was dying

Someone called Maria's name
I swear it was my father's voice
Saying: If you stay you'll all be slain
You must leave now, you have no choice
Take the servants and ride west
Keep the child close to your chest
When the American troops withdraw
Let Zapata take the rest

I heard Woodrow Wilson's guns
I heard Maria calling
Saying: Veracruz is dying
And Cuernavaca's falling

Aquel dia yo jure
Hacia el puerto volvere
Aunque el destino cambio mi vida
En Veracruz morire
Aquel dia yo jure

I heard Woodrow Wilson's guns
I heard them in the harbor
Saying: Veracruz is dying