Intro
He was just a kid y’all.
DIdn’t get a chance to finish school.
Didn’t get a chance to stay home…
A trabajar.

Verse
Yo. He left his home so he could earn himself a living.
The same fate awaiting him, like many other children.
Before and after him, no option there to go to school.
As soon as he hit puberty, his father made him pay his dues.
So with a bag of clothes, he said his goodbyes.
Gave his grand-mom a kiss, and wiped the tears from her eyes.
You see, she was the one that raised him.
‘Cause his parents were too busy, working in the fields in another nation.
Immigration, was imminent and welcomed.
He was looking forward to the journey that would take him.
Across the deserts and away from his homeland.
Outside, just a child. On the inside, was a grown man.
He was convinced that a little labor, wouldn’t hurt.
Rolling up his long sleeves, ‘cause he knew he’d put in work.
Finding his worth in every contribution.
Never took a day off, or made any excuses.

Narration:
13year old young boy, young man.
Taking on the responsibility to leave his home and travel.
To a foreign land, to work, and become a man… For his family.
This the journey.

Verse:
Took 2 nights of rest, and 3 full days of travel.
Driving through the interstates, dirt roads, the gravel.
Sometimes the car would stall, or overheat, in the desert.
I guess even machines show weakness under pressure.
Still, he made the best of every situation.
By the third sunset, they knew they’d reach their destination.
Probably, the first lesson learned in this change of life:
Everything is temporary, we’re just here passing by.
When he arrived, he was greeted by his father.
He said, “Qué gusto verte, get ready for tomorrow.
I know you had a long trip, and you must be tired.”
He was physically exhausted, but somehow he felt inspired.
Probably the sight of the pride in his father’s eyes?
Looking at his first born, finally right by his side.
Ready to ride, to take on the world.
To carry on the tradition to provide for all.

Narration:
He was providing for his family.
Up before the sunrise, he was following the seasons.
Balancing priorities…
He was preparing for his future, but still providing for the folks back home.

Verse:
Fast forward now to the present tense.
He’s a grandfather, living a life that’s full of relevance.
He’s the one that taught us how to look beyond anger.
Staying calm, being humble yet dangerous.
Making progress, even in small increments.
Meeting daily goals, for the family’s benefit.
You can write a book on the lessons he possesses.
Just never forget to thank your blessings.
Why wait for later if you can do it today.
Take advantage of time, man he makes it look easy.
That’s the kind of life I want to live in.
Everyday, every moment, every feeling.
Captivated by that love for work.
A provider for the family, but never forget to look.
At the wrist watch, ‘cause it won’t stop ticking.
Take a moment to connect with the children.

Outro:
Pass the lessons down to them.
Es la historia oral, oral history.
Putting our story into a hip hop corrido.
The running song, the running verse.
Yeah. One love jefecito. Much love.
Peace.