[Intro – Faint thunder fades into soft upright bass, Spanish guitar weaves in] I lost the woman I built a life with. Buried part of my heart in that casket… And I swore I’d never feel alive again. But then… I met the mariposa. ⸻ [Verse 1 – Low, honest, soulful] I was sittin’ in silence, drownin’ in prayers, Tried to hold it together for my boys upstairs. The nights were hollow, the days ran long, Grief played my ribs like a sad ol’ song. Then she came in—not to rescue or replace, But to bring back the sunlight to my face. A fire in her eyes, a sway in her step, The kind of love that don’t erase—but helps you accept. ⸻ [Chorus – Gentle, rising] When I met the mariposa, the world turned slow, A Southern man crawlin’ out of sorrow. Didn’t know I could smile again so wide, ‘Til she kissed the pain I’d tried to hide. She didn’t fill the hole—but she planted grace, Gave me warmth, gave my boys a safe place. From bayou blues to her Latin sky, I found my second chance when she fluttered by. ⸻ [Verse 2 – A little more rhythm now, hopeful, healing] She’s got her own story, her own kind of ache, But when she looks at me, I stop breakin’ in place. She dances with grief like she’s danced before, Held my hand and showed me there’s more. Her daughter laughs like the light I’d lost, And mine look at her like a bridge we crossed. This ain’t a fairytale—it’s flesh and bone, Two souls, three kids, one rebuilt home. ⸻ [Chorus – Stronger now, richer] When I met the mariposa, I felt the breeze, Of God whisperin’, “Son, just breathe.” She didn’t fix me—but Lord, she stayed, And in her arms, the hurt began to fade. She don’t carry my past, but she walks beside, And I’d bet my soul on her soft brown eyes. Didn’t plan to fall, didn’t think I’d try— But I found heaven again when she flew by. ⸻ [Bridge – Spoken over soft saxophone and finger-snaps] She ain’t my late wife. She ain’t in her shadow. She’s the sunrise after the storms… And baby, I’m learnin’ to live again… Because you showed up. ⸻ [Outro – Light salsa rhythm comes in like dawn breaking] When I met the mariposa… I didn’t just meet a woman— I met hope… with hips, spice, and wings.

When I Met the Mariposa