Can you hear the drums Fernando?
I remember long ago
another starry night like this
in the firelight Fernando
you were humming to yourself
and softly strumming your guitar
I could hear the distant drums
and sounds of bugle calls
were coming from afar

They were closer now Fernando
every hour, every minute
seemed to last eternally
I was so afraid Fernando
we were young and full of life
and none of us prepared to die
and I’m not ashamed to say
the roar of guns and cannons
almost made me cry

There was something in the air that night
the stars were bright, Fernando
they were shining there for you and me
for liberty, Fernando
though we never thought that we could lose
there’s no regret
if I had to do the same again
I would my friend, Fernando

Now we’re old and grey Fernando
since many years
I haven’t seen a rifle in your hand
can you hear the drums Fernando?
Do you still recall the fateful night
we crossed the Rio Grande?
I can see it in your eyes
how proud you were to fight
for freedom in this land

There was something in the air that night
the stars were bright, Fernando
they were shining there for you and me
for liberty, Fernando
though we never thought that we could lose
there’s no regret
if I had to do the same again
I would my friend, Fernando