Bishop of the Low Riders

(Verse 1) (Rap) let me tell you before you go, 'Bout a cool bishop sporting a sombrero. Born in Albuquerque, near a desert's plateau A miracle under the skies forming a rainbow. In Watts, he grew, amidst struggle and strife, But he carried the torch, throughout his life. With eleven siblings, in a crowded home, He learned the value of love, never felt alone. From Manual Arts High to the halls of knowledge, His thirst for wisdom, you must acknowledge. Rockhurst, St. Thomas, Loyola too, His journey was long, but he stayed glued. (Chorus) Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a man of grace, In his heart, he found his sacred place. With a sombrero and a heart so wide, He rode with the lowriders, side by side. In honor of the man who walked the rows, Through streets and alleys, where love flows, In every corner, where hope glows, He was known as the Bishop of the Barrios. (Verse 2) Ordained in '58, with a vision blurred, But his spirit soared, undeterred. Through Tagaste's halls, he spread his light, Guiding souls through the darkest night. In '72, San Miguel's pastor he became, In Watts, he found his calling, stoked the flame. Then to Glendale, Cristo Rey he led, In every step, his faith he spread. (Chorus) Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a man of grace, In his heart, he found his sacred place. With a sombrero and a heart so wide, He rode with the lowriders, side by side. In honor of the man who walked the rows, Through streets and alleys, where love flows, In every corner, where hope glows, He was known as the Bishop of the Barrios. (Verse 3) In a 99-cent sombrero and a simple tee, He reached out to those who needed to see. To gang members, lowriders, youth in despair, He showed them love, he showed he cared. At the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe he prayed, For the souls he touched, for the paths he laid. In his legacy, his spirit thrives, In the hearts of those whose lives he revives. So here's to Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, in glory he stands, A beacon of hope in troubled lands. With humility and love, he led the way, In the lowrider's heart, he forever will stay. (Verse 3) In a 99-cent sombrero and a simple tee, He reached out to those who needed to see. To gang members, lowriders, youth in despair, He showed them love, he showed he cared. At the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe he prayed, For the souls he touched, for the paths he laid. In his legacy, his spirit thrives, In the hearts of those whose lives he revives. So here's to Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, in glory he stands, A beacon of hope in troubled lands. With humility and love, he led the way, In the lowrider's heart, he forever will stay. (Chorus) Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a man of grace, In his heart, he found his sacred place. With a sombrero and a heart so wide, He rode with the lowriders, side by side. In honor of the man who walked the rows, Through streets and alleys, where love flows, In every corner, where hope glows, He was known as the Bishop of the Barrios. (Fade Chorus) Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a man of grace, In his heart, he found his sacred place. With a sombrero and a heart so wide, He rode with the lowriders, side by side. In honor of the man who walked the rows, Through streets and alleys, where love flows, In every corner, where hope glows, He was known as the Bishop of the Barrios. (End) (Fade Chorus) Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a man of grace, In his heart, he found his sacred place. With a sombrero and a heart so wide, He rode with the lowriders, side by side. In honor of the man who walked the rows, Through streets and alleys, where love flows, In every corner, where hope glows, He was known as the Bishop of the Barrios. (End) [Fade Chorus Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a man of grace, In his heart, he found his sacred place. With a sombrero and a heart so wide, He rode with the lowriders, side by side. In honor of the man who walked the rows, Through streets and alleys, where love flows, In every corner, where hope glows, He was known as the Bishop of the Barrios.] (End Song) For the souls he touched, for the paths he laid. In his legacy, his spirit thrives, In the hearts of those whose lives he revives. [instrumental] (Verse 4) When the time came for him to depart, The streets echoed with a heavy heart. For the Bishop of the Barrio had passed away, Leaving behind a legacy that would forever stay. As the sun set on his final day, Lowriders and workers gathered to pray. About 300 cars, shining bright, Joined his journey into the night. From St. Rose's parish to the Cathedral grand, A procession formed, a solemn band. In honor of the man who walked their path, They rode in unity, through tears and wrath. Unofficial chaplain to those on the margins, His absence felt like seismic margins. But in their hearts, his spirit lives on, In every lowrider, in every dawn. So as he journeyed to his final rest, Amidst the cars, amidst the blessed, The streets whispered tales of his grace, For Bishop Alphonse, they found their place. (Chorus) Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a man of grace, In his heart, he found his sacred place. With a sombrero and a heart so wide, He rode with the lowriders, side by side. About 300 cars, shining bright, Joined his journey into the night. From St. Rose's parish to the Cathedral grand, A procession formed, a solemn band. In honor of the man who walked their path, They rode in unity, through tears and wrath. Unofficial chaplain to those on the margins, His absence felt like seismic margins. But in their hearts, his spirit lives on, In every lowrider, in every dawn. So as he journeyed to his final rest, Amidst the cars, amidst the blessed, The streets whispered tales of his grace, For Bishop Alphonse, they found their place. [End Song]