Volver a Celaya

I was born in the city of Celaya
Deep in the heartland of Mexico
There was work to be had in the maquiladoras
But I was young and I had to go

There must have been troubles and trials
But I only remember the river was low
On the other side I caught a ride north to San Antonio

Had a cousin of mine on a carpenter crew
I lied to his boss and he put me on
I hadn’t a clue what to do and he knew
But I caught on

In the swing of a hammer a lifetime flew by
I raised a family but now I’m alone
Voy a volver a Celaya
I’m goin’ back home

Had my own crew before I turned twenty
I began buildin’ a life brick by brick
I did alright and a contractor sponsored me
I got my citizenship

I married fair Graciela his daughter
Soon there were children and now they’re all grown
Two of our boys went to fight in Afghanistan
One of ’em didn’t come home

They were raised to believe in this country
That I barely recognize now
The migra come masked in the night without warning
The children scream when they knock the doors down
Then the angels took my Graciela
Nothin’ else here for me now that she’s gone
Voy a volver a Celaya
I’m going back home