It's been years that I've been translating this song. It is an old country dance native to the outlying areas of Mexico. I have surveyed a few native Spanish speakers to get the following:.

Gracia is a cognate and translates directly to grace. You obviously require grace for any kind of dancing. It makes it appear effortless and pleasing to watch. This is accomplished with practice rather than natural ability.

Yo no soy marinero, soy capitan: I'm the alpha dog, I make the decisions. Ok, that's more than a mere translation.

Por ti sere: I will be (there) for you. The word "there" is omitted because the Spanish "alli" or "con eso" implies a physical location. This is an abstraction implying "I will provide you emotional support" and is not a love commitment as would be "I am yours." This is just a dance and you are a dance partner!

Ay arriba: this short phrase is highly idiomatic and does not translate literally at all, especially with the word "ay." This closest you can come to is something like "Yippee" or "Hooray" as an simple cry of joy. An equivalent phrase "ay caramba" means pretty much the opposite.

Sorry to have taken this beautiful song and tear it apart. It was a good exercise.

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