Give Me Fado in English

I was born on a steep stone stair Where the laundry swings in the salty air Old women talk like they know my fate They say "child You came to the world too late"

Give me fado Let it carve my name in the night Give me sorrow Till the tears learn how to shine I will sing you Every promise time has broken Give me fado in English this time So my pain can cross the ocean

My father’s coat still hangs by the door Smells like dust and a harbor war Mama hums as she counts the change Makes a prayer for the ones who never came

Give me fado Let it carve my name in the night Give me sorrow Till the tears learn how to shine I will sing you Every promise time has broken Give me fado in English this time So my pain can cross the ocean

Do you feel it there In your bright and distant town When a stranger voice Drags your restless heartbeat down If you hear my cry In a language you understand Know that every word Is a kiss you never planned (ah)

Give me fado Let it carve my name in the night Give me sorrow Till the tears learn how to shine I will sing you Every promise time has broken Give me fado in English this time So my soul can cross the ocean