Lágrimas Negras Lyrics in English by Bebo Valdés, Diego el Cigala

Extravío translates to 'straying' or 'going astray'. It's a poetic and powerful word that implies much more than just a physical departure; it suggests someone has lost their way morally or emotionally.

In this heart-wrenching song, the singer describes his suffering over his lover's extravío. He's not just sad she's gone, he's pained by the fact that she has strayed from their path together, adding a profound depth to the 'black tears' he cries.

This song is a journey through some serious heartbreak. The singer starts by telling someone they've been completely abandoned and their hopes are gone. But instead of getting angry, they do something incredible: "En vez de maldecirte con justo encono / ...en mis sueños te colmo de bendiciones" [Instead of cursing you with righteous anger / ...in my dreams I cover you with blessings]. It's a beautiful and deeply sad idea. The singer's pain is so intense that their tears aren't just tears; they are "lágrimas negras como mi vida" [black tears, like my life].

Then, the song shifts completely. We're suddenly at the Guadalquivir river in Spain, watching a scene with gypsy women and children. This is where the flamenco influence of singer Diego el Cigala really comes through. The mood changes from quiet sorrow to a passionate declaration. The singer seems to find the person who left them and makes a final, desperate promise: "Contigo me voy gitana / Y aunque me cueste morir" [I'm going with you, gypsy woman / Even if it costs me my life]. It's an all-or-nothing pledge, turning the song from a lament into a statement of total devotion.