What's A Simple Man To Do?

Dear Graciela, I'm writin' this letter

Deep in the night and I'm all alone

It's nearly breakin' my heart to tell you

I'm so far away from home

I know I said I'd never cross the border

I know I promised to return to you

But I lost my job in the maquiladora

What's a simple man to do?

I met a man in Tijuana

Said he had a job for me to do

Standin' on a corner in San Diego

With a pocketful of red balloons

All I wanted was a little money

All I needed was a week or two

I never even saw the police comin'

What's a simple man to do?

Tell my mamma that I said I'm sorry

I know she didn't bring me up this way

Ask if she could light a candle for me

Pray that I'll come home someday

Oh Graciela, won't you please forgive me

I never meant to bring this shame to you

I lost my job in the maquiladora

What's a simple man to do?