Brick and Grit

[Intro] City boots on cracked sidewalks, dreams in a pocket of dust I lace up my thoughts, step steady, carry truth I must [Verse 1] Midnight graffiti spelling out the hunger in my ribs Bus fog on the window, I trace the past in tiny fibs Corner store light flickers like a heartbeat, keeps me sane Every nose-to-the-ground hustle reading like a weathered paper train I barter for hope with every late bill's sting Mama's prayers taped on the fridge kiss the spring I scribble rhymes on napkins, feed them to the wind The nights are tough, but stubborn prayers are built to bend [Pre-Chorus] scars in the mirror whisper, 'rise above the doubt' I roll the dice of fate, and I’m cashing every route [Chorus] I’m built from brick and grit, I won’t be moved by doubt I hustle through the noise, hear my heartbeat shout From the alley to the skyline, I’m chasing what I’m about Rise after the fall, I’m choosing me, I’m choosing now [Verse 2] Clock hands race while the city holds its breath I stack my lines like credits, pay attention to the depth Every setback a lesson, every plea a revelation I turn the pain to purpose, fuel for elevation Eyes on the far street lights, they glow like distant suns I navigate the maze with lungs full of stubborn lungs What’s owed to me isn’t given, it’s earned by the grind I trade sleep for visibility, clarity over blind [Pre-Chorus] scars in the mirror whisper, 'rise above the doubt' I roll the dice of fate, and I’m cashing every route [Chorus] I’m built from brick and grit, I won’t be moved by doubt I hustle through the noise, hear my heartbeat shout From the alley to the skyline, I’m chasing what I’m about Rise after the fall, I’m choosing me, I’m choosing now [Bridge] Rain on the sidewalks, paint each step with endurance Every setback redefines me, rebuilds my presence Language of the street translates to resilience in time I’m speaking in verses, turning pressure into shine [Chorus] I’m built from brick and grit, I won’t be moved by doubt I hustle through the noise, hear my heartbeat shout From the alley to the skyline, I’m chasing what I’m about Rise after the fall, I’m choosing me, I’m choosing now [Outro] City fades to whispers as I write my own dawn Steps still heavy, but the fear is long gone I carry the map of scars as badges of my vow I’m here, I’m rising, I’m staying in the now