[Intro]
From iron bars I rise in firelight
A voice carved from riverstone, unforgotten
[Verse 1]
They say the walls are lockers for the truth I keep
But I’m a thunderbird learning patience in the sleep
My blood is rain on old stones, my roots run deep
I speak in scars and songs they swear they’ll never meet
[Pre-Chorus]
No lock can turn my heartbeat off
No chain can mute the courage I’ve counseled
[Chorus]
I am the echo that won’t fade away
I carry a history they can’t erase
My voice is freedom in the air I breathe
The truth is louder than these walls can seize
[Verse 2]
Heritage is a compass when the night is long
Songs of ancestors teaching me to stay strong
Even in silence, my spirit stands tall and bright
The fight for justice anchors me to the light
[Pre-Chorus]
No lock can turn my heartbeat off
No chain can mute the courage I’ve counseled
[Chorus]
I am the echo that won’t fade away
I carry a history they can’t erase
My voice is freedom in the air I breathe
The truth is louder than these walls can seize
[Bridge]
If you try to hush me, you awaken the roar inside
I’ll march through the shadows with the truth as my guide
[Chorus]
I am the echo that won’t fade away
I carry a history they can’t erase
My voice is freedom in the air I breathe
The truth is louder than these walls can seize
[Outro]
Breath of ancestors, blaze in my chest
I stand unbound, unbroken, blessed
