Candelita ‘OMG’ Explained: The Story and Lyrics Behind Jose Iglesias’ Song That Became a Baseball Pop Sensation

Baseball has a certain rhythm.

The American game is full of melodies, from the Hans Zimmer-esque explosion when the bat touches the ball to the sweet tone of an outfielder chasing an injured pigeon in shallow center field. If Casey wasn’t at bat, he might as well be in the recording studio instead.

Music and baseball are inextricably linked: batters strut to home plate accompanied by their own favorite song, while the seventh-inning break is marked not by the physical release of years of tension through contortions but rather by rousing renditions of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

It was in this context that Candelita, a dubious musical talent, was nurtured. His identity remains unknown except to the masses of baseball fans who line up for his performances. But his very existence presupposes the value of musicality in the sport he loves so much: baseball.

So who is Candelita? And why does his music cause such a stir at MLB games?

Sporting News will let you know.

Who is Candelita?

Candelita is the stage name by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias.

A veteran of the big leagues, Iglesias has always had an interest in making Latin pop. The Cuban-American revealed that he became interested in the craft shortly after fleeing Cuba as an 18-year-old. Over the years, he has integrated himself into a number of musical networks, developing a close bond with Latin music superstar Marc Anthony, among others. The two are so close, in fact, that Iglesias and Anthony have matching tattoos on their forearms.

Iglesias has invested a lot of time and money into the company and stands on the shoulders of past professional players who were also musicians in their spare time, including Bernie Williams, Barry Zito and Deion Sanders.

“I love music,” Iglesias said, according to MLB.com. “It’s what I do in my free time in my hotels, on my travels. I write songs. It’s pretty cool. It’s fun and I really enjoy it.”

Iglesias has produced a number of high-profile songs lately, but none are as notable as “OMG,” a steel drum-infused smash that has taken the internet by storm in recent weeks.

Released on June 28, the song has garnered over 300,000 plays on Spotify and YouTube, and it also propelled Iglesias to the top of the Mets charts. After the release, he was tasked with singing the song in front of New York fans (and his Mets teammates).

“The man is doing it right now,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said, according to MLB.com. “We’re happy to have him. He’s a great guy. He deserves all the success on and off the field with his music career.”

José Iglesias just sang “OMG” at Citi Field after the Mets’ win pic.twitter.com/WtwzeyyCWV

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 29, 2024

Jose Iglesias OMG Mets Song

Candelita OMG Lyrics in English

It seems that Candelita is spreading a message of peace and prosperity with his most famous song, with the lyrics of “OMG” aimed at cheering up fans of the Mets all-rounder’s music.

OMG throw all the bad things away from here

OMG, give me health and prosperity

I have nothing but I am happy

Only memories inhabit me

Dreams to be fulfilled and I will make them come true

Maybe I’m crazy, but not lazy

And I will keep going until I reach it

OMG throw all the bad things away from here

OMG, give me health and prosperity

Let all the planets line up for me

May my wallet never be on a diet again

May happiness visit me

To help all my people

OMG throw all the bad things away from here

OMG, give me health and prosperity

I have to be grateful for another day of life

For the friends who are few today

Do not do evil, for everything turns

One day you feel bad, the next day you feel good

Dreams to be fulfilled and I will make them come true

Maybe I’m crazy, but not lazy

And I will keep going until I reach it

OMG

Candelita

OMG

Mauro

Tell them, Guianko

OMG throw all the bad things away from here

OMG, give me health and prosperity

Don’t let the evil tongues have a chance

And don’t let envy reach me

May time always be my witness

I only do good, that’s why I ask

OMG

fight for your dreams

Because yes, you can

OMG

And if you can’t find the way out

Sing with me

OMG throw all the bad things away from here

OMG, give me health and prosperity

Candelita Meaning

Candelita means little candle in English. It can also be considered an analogue to a firecracker, perhaps a testament to Iglesias’ playing style on the diamond.