If you're the sappy sort, have your Kleenex handy.
But if sentimentality makes you sick, start worrying about losing your last meal.
It would be fitting if it was Chunky Soup.
Wilma McNabb has penned a song that fondly recalls the playing days of her son, Donovan, longtime quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
You can see and hear "When Your Heart Is on the Field," sung tenderly by Tene Williams, on YouTube, as lyrics fade in and out over an image of artificial turf.
Example:
He leads his team and everything goes to plan
The final score doesn't matter
I've already won
I've been a champion because he's my son
He gives me strength when I am weak
He shows me who I want to be
He's my light when I can't see
He gives me reasons to believe
Sniffling yet?
It's a level of adoration rarely attained even by Justin Bieber stalkers.
"Emotions fill the air
Ohh Ohh ooo ...
Something's come over me."
Yup, that's a direct quote.
"This song has been ringing in my head for 13 years, while my son Donovan played as an NFL QB," explains Wilma McNabb on her YouTube channel. "As parents of an athlete you feel more than you see as you watch the game. Listen to the words, and I am sure you too will understand the emotions we get, when your heart is on the field."
"Mama McNabb," who's best known for being in and being impersonated in Campbell's commercials with her son, even takes a soft shot at fans:
"I'll be watching, feeling so proud / Whether he wins or loses with his home crowd."
Reactions there ran the gamut.
"Aww i hope this is the REAL Mama of McNabb cuz this is super sweet! Hi Mama, Eaglesnation luvs ya & ur son XOXO!?" writes PhilaDehlia
"this is some kind of joke right??" writes tmunsie.
"If this doesn't sum up Donovan's worthless career then I don't know what does," writers stonecold12. "Throw 3 more picks in the Super Bowl you mama's boy. Pathetic."
"Shouldn't it say when your stomach contents are on the field?" Mike Roney quips at Crossing Broad.com, where PhillyFlash adds, "Makes 'The Wind Beneath My Wings' sound like gangsta rap."
"It's hard to fault anyone for showing a mother's love," but it's a good thing this wasn't released during Donovan McNabb's playing career, writes Chris Strauss for USA Today. "I can just imagine this blasting in the locker with T.O. doing push-ups and reminding everyone that he didn't need a motivational song to perform in the Super Bowl."
Here's a video of the song, followed by the complete lyrics:
I will be there to cheer you on ...
you are my son, my champion
[Refrain] He gives me strength when I am weak
He shows me who I want to be
He's my light when I can't see
He gives me reasons to believe
When the cheers ... fade away,
I'll be there at the end of the day
You know that love is real,
when your heart is on the field [end refrain]
From his first game to stadium lights
From fall to inspiring winter nights
I'll be watching, feeling so proud
Whether he wins or loses with his home crowd
It's hard to watch but I won't turn away
Because I'm his biggest fan every night and every day
I'm his biggest fan when your heart is on the field ...
I'm right there watching you, watching you
Wearing his jersey, making him signs
Seeing all his hard work, knowing it's his time
Realizing others feel the same way
They worry too
Wanting everyone's son to do his best
They all amaze you
Seeing all the lives he's touched in the excitement in children's eyes
Always telling him reach for the stars
He's already touched the sky
Emotions fill the air
Ohh Ohh ooo ...Something's come over me
Like the end of the game
When the clock ticks away with speed
He's the one they trust
The game in his hands
He leads his team and everything goes to plan
The final score doesn't matter
I've already won
I've been a champion because he's my son
[Repeat refrain]
... the field, the field, when your heart is on the field
[Above line repeats several times]
I will be there to cheer you on
You are my son, my Champion
When you're heart is on the field