Antes de Ti

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Cleats tied tight on the JV grass Varsity's banner says "Undefeated at last" Two years behind 'em, two more to go '70 to '74, that dynasty flow I'm the oldest of nine, Mom left in '67 Dad signed the papers—scattered us to heaven I took the infield dirt, turned double plays at two Ran the hundred-yard dash just to outrun the blues [Pre-Chorus] But under those Friday night stadium lights The barrio roared and the future felt right The conga beat matched my pounding chest I was seventeen, putting sorrow to rest [Chorus - Full harmonies & trumpet punches] Oh, I don't know it yet, but I'm playing for two One soul in these cleats, one waiting for you The Hammond moans low, the bass walks slow But hope hits harder than a quarterback throw Ay, mijo—if you could see me now Dust on my jersey, but a clear sky somehow [Verse 2] Shortstop dive, pop fly in my glove Second base pivot—that pure, perfect shove Track spikes digging into the cinder and lime Every lap bought a moment of peace from the time When foster homes took all my brothers away And I had to be strong on that empty hallway But the coach called my number, the crowd knew my name For a second, that loss didn't feel quite the same [Pre-Chorus] '72 summer, the radio played War's in the rearview, the future's unmade I didn't have much but a dream and a car And the scent of fresh grass underneath the stars [Chorus - B3 swells, horns answer] Oh, I don't know it yet, but I'm playing for two One soul in these cleats, one waiting for you The Hammond moans low, the bass walks slow But hope hits harder than a quarterback throw Ay, mijo—if you could see me now Dust on my jersey, but a clear sky somehow [Bridge - Trumpet solo over acoustic guitar, then spoken-sung] (Suave trumpet improvisation...) Seventeen, broke, but I never felt poor 'Cause the dirt on my knuckles meant I'd earned one more Down the line, in '77, a cry breaks the dawn— I don't see it tonight... but my legacy's born These hands that turned doubles, this arm that threw deep Will teach you to stand tall when the promises weep [Outro - Vocal harmonies fading, conga slowing] I'm running for you... (Softly) Through the dust and the glory... I'm playing for you... Antes de ti, ya te quería... (Before you, I already loved you...) (Final strum of acoustic guitar, B3 holds one long note) ...Mijo.