E 
Dear Graciela, I'm writin' this letter  
E                         B 
Deep in the night and I'm all alone  
B 
It's nearly breakin' my heart to tell you  
B                    E 
I'm so far away from home  
E 
I know I said I'd never cross the border  
E                      B  
I know I promised to return to you  
B 
But I lost my job in the maquiladora  
B               E 
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?