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?