Papeles Mojados Lyrics in English Chambao

Below, I translated the lyrics of the song Papeles Mojados by Chambao from Spanish to English.
Thousands of shadows the tide brings each night
They sail loaded with hopes that stay on the shore
Day-to-day stories, stories of good people
They risk their lives worn out, hungry and in a cold that cuts
Bridge
They drown their sorrows with a fire, put yourself in their place
The fear that their eyes reflect, the sea burst into tears
Chorus 1
Many don't arrive
Their dreams sink
Soaked papers
Chorus 1
Ownerless papers
Chorus 2
Many don't arrive, their dreams sink
Soaked papers
Chorus 2
Ownerless papers
Fragile memories adrift rip the soul
Soaked to the bone, the water drags them without hope
Powerlessness in their throat with a taste of salt
A mouthful of air gave them another chance
So much injustice drives me crazy, put yourself in their place
The fear that their eyes reflect, the sea burst into tears
So much injustice drives me crazy, put yourself in their place
The fear that their eyes reflect, the sea burst into tears
Many don't arrive
Their dreams sink
Soaked papers
Ownerless papers
Many don't arrive, their dreams sink
Soaked papers
Ownerless papers
Many don't arrive
Their dreams sink
Soaked papers
Ownerless papers
Many don't arrive
Their dreams sink
Soaked papers
Ownerless papers
Many don't arrive, their dreams sink
Soaked papers
Ownerless papers
Lyrics and Translations Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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SONG MEANING

Ready to dive into a song that sounds sunny and relaxed yet hides a powerful message? Papeles Mojados paints a cinematic night on the Mediterranean, where small boats rock on the waves carrying dreams instead of tourists. Each passenger clutches ilusiones—visions of a better life that, once they reach the shore, may end up as nothing more than soggy paperwork. Chambao’s flamenco-electronic groove lures you in, then suddenly you notice the raw images: trembling eyes, bone-deep cold, salty throats gasping for one more breath.

At its heart, the song is a cry against injustice. By repeating “ponte tú en su lugar” (put yourself in their place), the lyrics challenge listeners to swap comfort for empathy. Those “wet papers” are passports, IDs, and legal rights washed away along with countless hopes. Some migrants make it; many slip beneath the waves, leaving only fragile memories floating on the tide. Chambao’s music turns the sea into both stage and witness, urging us to remember that behind every statistic there is buena gente—good people—braving the water for a chance at dignity and peace.

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