It first was a love song from the 15th century, sung in Castilian. It belongs to the traditional songs of Burgos and Cantabria.

A LOS ÁRBOLES ALTOS (Spanish) (Traditional, 15th century) En qué nos parecemos Tú y yo a la nieve Tú en lo blanca y galana Yo en deshacerme. A los árboles altos Los lleva* el viento Y a los enamorados El pensamiento. Corazón que no quiera sufrir dolores, pasa la vida entera libre de amores. Corazones partidos yo no los quiero, y si le doy el mío lo doy entero.

THE TALL TREES You and I are like the snow In the fact that You are white and good looking/well dressed And I, because I melt. The tall trees The wind takes them And to the lovers, The thought/idea/dream [does so]. A heart that doesn't want To suffer pains Passes the whole life Free of loves. Partial/incomplete hearts, I don't want them And if I give mine to her I give it whole.

*alternate word "mueve" (moves)


Sheet music

Recording by Guillermo García and Ruth Waka -Verses 1 & 2.

Recording by Quilapayún Verses 1 & 2.


Alternate version with the following pattern:

A los árboles altos les lleva el viento
Y a los enamorados el pensamiento,
Ay, vida mía, el pensamiento.

The tall trees, the wind takes them
And to the lovers, the thought/idea/dream [does so]
Ah, my love, the thought/idea/dream

Live rendition by Joaquín Díaz

Live rendition by the Coro Garoé (a choir from Madrid suburbs)


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