You’ve probably seen the neon "OMG" sign lighting up the New York Mets dugout after a home run. Or maybe you caught a clip of a slick-fielding shortstop belting out a Latin pop track in front of 30,000 screaming fans at Citi Field. That’s José Iglesias—better known in the music world as Candelita.
When "OMG" dropped in June 2024, it didn't just climb the Latin Billboard charts; it became a cultural phenomenon. But for English speakers, the catchy rhythm is only half the story. The omg candelita lyrics english translation reveals a narrative of survival, immigrant grit, and a desperate plea for a better life that hits way harder than your average clubhouse jam.
Honestly, it’s not just a "baseball song." It’s an underdog’s prayer.
The Raw Translation: What Candelita Is Actually Saying
If you don't speak Spanish, you're missing the heavy spiritual undertones of the track. Iglesias isn't just saying "Oh my god" as an exclamation of surprise. He’s literally calling out for divine intervention.
Here is the gist of the core lyrics translated into English:
Chorus:
Oh my god, everything bad, push it away.
Oh my god, give me health and prosperity.📖 Related: Why American Beauty by the Grateful Dead is Still the Gold Standard of Americana
Verse 1:
I have nothing, but I am happy.
Only dreams live in me, dreams to achieve.
And I bet on me.
I might be crazy, but I’m not lazy.
And to make it, I’m going to keep pushing.
The phrase "todo lo malo échalo pa' allá" is a classic Caribbean sentiment. It's about clearing out the "bad vibes" or the "evil eye" to make room for something better. For a guy who defected from Cuba at 18 with nothing but a glove and a dream, those words carry a lot of weight.
Why the Lyrics Struck Such a Nerve in 2024
The timing was almost spooky. When Iglesias was called up from Triple-A Syracuse in May 2024, the Mets were essentially dead in the water. They were playing terrible baseball. The vibes were rancid.
Then came Candelita.
He started using "OMG" as his walk-up song. Suddenly, the dugout was dancing. Teammates like J.D. Martinez started bugging him to play the full track in the clubhouse. It wasn't just about the beat; it was the message. "One day you’re down, the next you’re up," he sings in the second verse. That became the literal blueprint for the Mets' 2024 season.
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They went from being a laughingstock to a powerhouse, and the song was the soundtrack to every comeback.
The "Underdog" Connection
Music critic Gary Suarez once noted that "OMG" works because it bridges the gap between the Afro-Caribbean experience and the American dream. Iglesias wrote the song while sitting on his ranch west of Miami, looking at his family and thinking about how far he’d come.
He was a veteran player whose career looked like it was over. He was a "minor league guy" again at age 34. When he sings, "I have nothing but I am happy," he’s talking about the perspective you get when you’ve lost everything and had to rebuild from scratch.
Breaking Down the Key Phrases
To really understand the omg candelita lyrics english meaning, you have to look at the specific slang and cultural markers he uses.
- "Todo lo malo échalo pa' allá": This isn't just "throw it away." It’s a rhythmic, almost ritualistic dismissal of negativity. In Cuban culture, there’s a strong emphasis on protecting your energy from "la envidia" (envy).
- "Que mi cartera no haga más dieta": This is a hilarious line that translates to "May my wallet no longer be on a diet." It’s a relatable way of asking for financial stability after years of grinding.
- "Maybe I'm crazy, but not lazy": Iglesias uses English for this specific line even in the original Spanish version. He’s acknowledging that his path—moving from Cuba to the MLB to a music career—looks insane to outsiders. But he’s proving that hard work (not being lazy) is what bridges that gap.
The Pitbull Effect: The Remix and Beyond
In October 2024, the song reached a whole new level when Pitbull and Silvestre Dangond jumped on the remix. Mr. Worldwide himself, a fellow Cuban-American, saw the song's potential as a global anthem for immigrants.
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Pitbull’s verse added a layer of "congratulations" to the story. He shouts out the journey "from the streets to the major leagues." It turned a clubhouse hit into a genuine Latin pop staple that transcended the sport of baseball entirely.
How to Use the "OMG" Philosophy
Whether you're a Mets fan or just someone who likes the song, the "Candelita" mindset is actually pretty practical. Iglesias himself says the song is about "maximizing the possibility of enjoyment."
Basically:
- Acknowledge the bad, then push it away. Don't dwell on a 0-for-4 day or a bad meeting at work.
- Bet on yourself. If you don't believe you can hit the "home run" in your own life, nobody else will.
- Stay grateful. The lyrics emphasize thanking God for "one more day of life."
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the music of José "Candelita" Iglesias, here’s how to stay updated:
- Check out "No Voy A Volver": His collaboration with Lenier is a much more soulful, emotional track about his Cuban roots.
- Watch the Official Music Video: It features "everyday" workers—mechanics, cooks, delivery drivers—emphasizing that the song is for everyone, not just pro athletes.
- Follow the "OMG" Sign: Keep an eye on the dugout during his games (he moved to the Padres in 2025, but the legend lives on).
The song is a reminder that your second act—whether it's music, a new career, or just a new outlook—is often better than your first. Just keep pushing, and as the song says, make sure your wallet stays off its diet.