Another day in the fields, sun up and then it's gone

For her children dirt under her nails and scratches on her arms

One bushel at a time, she fills them up with hopes and dreams

Came here seventeen years ago, single mother trying to build a home

​

It's been a hard road Maria

The pictures on the wall remind you of a place you haven't known for so long

​

Found herself at twenty-two with children three and five

Had to get them out of that world if she wanted them to survive

Knew a cousin who worked the fields and lived in Chicago

In the dark of the night she quieted her fears and crossed a river from Mexico

​

It's been a long road Maria

Your vision of the future drives you on and is what keeps you so strong

​

Worked the fields in the Midwest for five years and saved up for a home

Opened up a business as she raised her two kids all alone

Juan went to school, enlisted, and then to Afghanistan

Kathy is in college now and following her dream in dance

​

It's been a strange road Maria

What you've accomplished on your own inspires those around and makes us so proud

​

Now neighbors that used to share smiles with Maria just turn and walk away

Maria's too proud to say it, but I'm not afraid to say

The lies that feed ignorance and fear cannot swallow the truth

What makes America great is the taste of hope in the mouth of its dreamers

​

It's been a crazy road Maria

They sold you on a promise that if you worked hard things would turn out just right

It's been a hard road Maria

The pictures on the wall remind you of a place you haven't known for so long

​

It's been a hard road Maria

It's been a long road Maria

It's been a strange road Maria

It's been a crazy road Maria

​

Maria grows roses from fields of stone