Bracero, bracero, don't need you no more.

In old California the border guards warn ya that work permits really come dear,
In old Arizona they say they don't want a big bunch of braceros this year,
Down in Laredo they say they're afraid no work at Lubbock or Abilene,
Not mucho dinero for you poor bracero, they're pickin' it with a machine. 

Bracero, bracero, the cotton is white,
If You're not out there picking, well it just don't seem right,
Machines have brought starvation close to your door,
Bracero, bracero, don't need you no more.

They tell us in Weslaco they think it is best we go to Chicago or DesMoines,
They say the meat packers might use some wet-backers, their pesos can buy them sirloin,
They tell us at Brownsville if we hang around we'll find out they sure can get mean,
Not mucho dinero for you poor bracero, they're pickin' it with a machine. 

Bracero, bracero, the cotton is white,
If You're not out there picking, well it just don't seem right,
Machines have brought starvation close to your door,
Bracero, bracero, don't need you no more.