Mamba Out

I treasured the honor and honored the trade

This wonderful game that we play

Revering the greats for the progress they made

I trained the professional way

Would practice ‘til late and I often was last

As taught by the legends of old

I longed for the future and valued the past

In a way that was driven and bold

I respected opponents and lauded their skill

To get to this level is tough

Spent all of my time doing drill after drill

And often it wasn’t enough

Remember my history in stories you tell

Was drafted, then traded out west

Some say I’m the reason a ticket would sell

Apparently, some were impressed

My drive was the spark that erupted in flame

And burned ‘til the day I retired

Applying to life what I learned in a game

Just to find that the clock had expired

I entered the overtime stage of my life

I was right where I wanted to be

The pain I feel most, my kids and my wife

Now mourn for Gianna and me

I was for my children their impetus too

For they knew that I’d always be there

I did for Giana what good fathers do

So this consequence seems so unfair 

Tomorrow’s are stolen each day from the earth

And the biggest thief ever is 'time'

So cherish the days you are given at birth

Because time never pays for its crime