[Intro – Forks clinking, soft laughter fades in. Upright bass and piano begin.] It used to be three plates and silence. Now it’s five plates, two cultures, and a whole lotta grace. ⸻ [Verse 1 – Gentle and proud] I remember cookin’ for three, just me and my boys, Wipin’ tears with paper towels, pretendin’ there was joy. Then you came, daughter in tow, bringin’ rhythm and spice, Now there’s laughter with breakfast and hands holdin’ rice. Your girl calls me “Mister,” mine call you “ma’am,” But baby, it feels like we’re all part of the plan. Sunday mornin’ pancakes, salsa on the stove— Who knew broken hearts could make a home? ⸻ [Chorus – Soulful with gospel lift] Now there’s five plates at the table, love in every seat, Gumbo on the burner, mariachis in the beat. Two boys, one girl, and a queen on my side, We ain’t perfect, but Lord knows we try. You brought more than kisses—you brought family too, And somehow this messy thing became true. Five plates, one prayer, one flame that won’t fade— From the ashes of loss… a new house was made. ⸻ [Verse 2 – More rhythm, more real] Your baby don’t share blood with mine, But you’d never know by the way they shine. They fight, they laugh, they run that hall, Sometimes it feels like we raised them all. Taught my boys to dance, you taught me to sway, We both brought pain, but we stayed anyway. This love ain’t easy—it’s earned every day, But when I see us eatin’ together, I just pray: ⸻ [Chorus – Now with gospel choir behind you] Thank You for five plates at the table, peace in the noise, For a woman with fire and two wild boys. For a little girl with her mama’s spark, And a kitchen full of light when the world gets dark. You brought more than kisses—you brought healing too, And somehow the Lord said, “This one’s for you.” Five plates, one path, one promise we made— To build this love… and never let it fade. ⸻ [Bridge – Spoken word, acoustic and humming choir] A table ain’t just wood. It’s where stories are told, prayers are whispered, And where two families… become one. ⸻ [Outro – Soft fade, children laughing in background] Pass the cornbread, baby girl wants more, Boy’s got salsa on the fridge door. Five plates. One home. One love.

Five Plates at the Table