When You're Home
Mandy Gonzalez and Christopher Jackson Lyrics

I used to think we lived at the top of the world
I used to feel invincible when I lived in my close-knit community, but things have changed now.

When the world was just a subway map
Before I had to face the realities of the world outside of my community.

And the one-slash-nine
Referring to a train line in New York City.

Climbed a dotted line to my place
The train used to take me home to my community.

There's no nine train now
Things have changed, and getting back to my community is not as easy as it once was.

I used to think the Bronx was a place in the sky
I had an idealized view of my community when I was younger.

And my thoughts took shape
My thoughts were formed around growing up in my community.

On that fire escape
I had a special place to go to think.

Can you remind me of what it was like
Can you help me remember what it was like to feel safe and have a place to call home?

Come with me
Let me show you what my community was like.

We begin July
Referring to a specific time of year that brings back memories.

With a stop at my corner fire hydrant
A special memory of turning on a fire hydrant in the summer.

You would open it every summer!
A fun summer memory shared with a friend.

I would bust it with a wrench
I had a specific role in the memory of opening the fire hydrant.

Til my face got drenched
I remember the joy of running in the water.

Til I heard the sirens
The fun would end when the authorities would come to shut off the hydrant.

And then I ran like hell!
I remember the feeling of being scared of getting in trouble.

You ran like hell!
My friend remembers how scared I was in that moment.

Yeah, I ran like hell!
I was legitimately scared in that moment.

I remember well!
This is a very clear memory for me.

To your father's dispatch window
A specific location in my community where I went for safety.

"Hey, let me in, yo!
I needed help and was asking to be let in somewhere safe.

They're coming to get me!"
I was scared of what might happen if I got caught by the authorities.

You were always in constant trouble
I had a difficult past and was often in trouble.

Then your dad would act all snide, but he'd let me hide
Despite what seemed like criticism, my friend's dad always provided a place for me to hide.

You'd be there inside
My friend would always be there to offer a safe haven.

Life was easier then
Despite the challenges, life was simpler and safer in my community.

Nina, everything is easier
My friend is trying to remind me that things were easier in the past.

When you're home
When you're in a familiar and safe environment.

The street's a little kinder when you're home
People are friendlier and more willing to help when you're in a familiar environment.

Can't you see
I'm trying to help you remember what it's like to be safe and happy.

That the day seems clearer
Things are easier to understand and navigate when you feel safe.

Now that you are here or
Now that we're back in my community.

Is it me?
Is it the familiarity and safety that's making everything seem better?

Maybe it's just me
It could just be my perception.

We gotta go I wanna show you all I know
I want to share my community with you and show you everything I love about it.

The sun is setting and the light is getting low
It's getting late, but I want to fit in as much as possible.

Are we going to Castle Garden?
A specific place in my community that I want to show my friend.

Maybe, maybe not, but way to take a shot, when the day is hot
We might not make it there, but I appreciate that you're willing to try.

I got a perfect shady spot
Referring to a specific place in my community that offers a nice break from the hot sun.

A little ways away that oughta
It's just a short walk from here.

Cool us down
It's a nice place to cool off from the hot sun.

Welcome back to town
I'm glad to have you here, visiting my community.

Now, back in high school when it darkened
Referring to a specific time and place in the past.

You'd hang out in Bennett Park and
Describing a specific place in my community.

Usnavi would bring his radio
A character from our community who was always listening to music.

As I walked home from Senior Studies
Describing a specific moment in the past.

I'd see you rapping with your buddies
A happy memory of seeing my friend with their friends.

With the volume high
The music was loud and energizing.

I walked on by
I kept walking, but I enjoyed seeing my friend enjoying themselves.

You walked on by
My friend didn't notice me walking by.

No pare! Sigue, sigue!
Referring to Spanish lyrics that express the idea of not giving up, to keep going and moving forward.

When you're home
Again expressing the safety and happiness of being in a familiar place.

Oh, the summer nights are cooler
Describing a specific feeling of summer in my community.

Now that you're here with me
Having my friend with me adds to the happiness of this moment.

And that song you are hearing
Another happy moment of hearing music in our community.

Is the neighborhood just cheering you along
Feeling the support and happiness of being in our community.

Don't say that
My friend is hesitant to share something.

What's wrong?
I'm trying to get to the bottom of what's going on with my friend.

Don't say that!
My friend doesn't want to hear something specific.

When I was younger, I'd imagine what would happen
Remembering a specific thought process from the past.

If my parents had stayed in Puerto Rico
Considering the alternate timeline of what might have happened.

Who would I be if I had never seen Manhattan
Wondering how my life might have been different if things had gone differently.

If I lived in Puerto Rico with my people
Another alternate timeline that I'm considering.

My people!
Feeling a strong connection to my roots and culture.

I feel like all my life, I've tried to find the answer
Feeling lost and searching for purpose throughout my life.

Working harder, learning Spanish, learning all I can
Trying to find answers by exploring my culture and my language.

I thought I might find the answer out at Stanford
Considering pursuing higher education as a way to find answers.

But I'd stare out at the sea
Feeling lost even in a beautiful place.

Thinking, where'm I supposed to be?
Feeling lost and not sure what my true purpose is.

So please don't say you're proud of me, when I've lost my way
Feeling like I haven't accomplished anything to be proud of.

Then can I say
Trying to find the right way to express my feelings.

I couldn't get my mind off you all day
Feeling very connected to my friend in this moment.

Now listen to me!
A moment of urgency and importance in the conversation.

That may be how you perceive it
Trying to communicate that things may not be as they seem.

But Nina please believe
Trying to convince my friend to trust me and have hope for the future.

That when you find your way again
Hoping that my friend will find their way and feel fulfilled.

You're gonna change the world and then
Believing that my friend has the potential to make a big impact.

We're all gonna brag and say we knew her when
Looking forward to a time when my friend will be well-known and respected.

This was your home
Reminding my friend of their roots and how important the community is to them.

I'm home
Feeling at home and at peace in my community.

Welcome home
Being welcomed back to my community after being away.

You're finally home
Expressing happiness and relief that my friend is back in their community again.

You're home
A repeated sentiment expressing the safety and happiness of being in a familiar environment.

I'm home!
Feeling a strong sense of belonging and safety in my community.