Other side

Verse 1:

Two lines on a Sunday morning, hands start to shake

You said “we’re gonna be parents,” I didn’t know what to say

I laughed, then I cried, then I held you so tight

Started dreaming out loud ‘bout a whole different life

Counting weeks like they’re gold in my hands

Downloaded apps, reading all that I can

Talking to your belly like you understood

“Hey Mateo, I’m your dad, I’ll be good”

Pre-Chorus:

First little heartbeat on a black-and-white screen

Never thought a sound could mean everything

Chorus:

Mateo, I was ready for you

Had your name on the wall, had your room painted blue

I was learning to be everything I never knew

Now I’m stuck with a love I can’t give to you

Oh Mateo… I still call your name

Even three years later, nothing’s changed

Verse 2:

Doctor visits, holding hands in the hall

Counting fingers on a screen so small

Cutting out habits, I was changing my ways

Trying to be the man you deserved someday

I built your crib on a quiet night

Screws and tears, trying to get it right

Practiced lullabies under my breath

Never thought love could hurt like this

Pre-Chorus:

Then one slow day turned everything gray

Silence louder than words could say

Chorus:

Mateo, I was ready for you

Had your name on the wall, had your room painted blue

I was learning to be everything I never knew

Now I’m stuck with a love I can’t give to you

Oh Mateo… I still call your name

Even three years later, nothing’s changed

Bridge:

People say time heals, but they don’t know

How a piece of my heart didn’t get to grow

I see your face in dreams I can’t keep

Wake up reaching for you in my sleep

Your mama still cries when no one’s around

I try to be strong but I’m breaking down

You were here, you were real, you were mine

Even if it was just for a little time

Final Chorus:

Mateo, I still talk to you

In the quiet nights when I don’t know what to do

There’s a life in my chest that still belongs to you

And a father’s love that just can’t move

Oh Mateo… I carry your flame

And after three long years… it still feels the same

Outro:

Two lines on a Sunday morning, still in my mind

That was the moment you made me a father for life

Mateo… my child, my light

I’ll love you forever, on the other side