Roots and Roads

[Intro] Dust on the shoreline, drums in the market square Footsteps from far lands, a breeze pulls at my hair I am Patricia, hearing two rivers collide One hand on memory, one eye on the pride inside [Verse 1] Africa speaks in colors, in songs that burn slow When Europe touches the dawn, the winds begin to glow Cloth of old stories, threads of new glass shine I walk the seam of both worlds, seeking a single line [Pre-Chorus] Breathing in salt, tasting spice and oil Listening for truth beneath the soil [Chorus] I own my name, I claim my ground Root and rise where I am found Authentic hearts beat loud and clear Rooted in tones that brought me here [Verse 2] Children laughing, elders keeping time Patricia listens, deciding what is mine The map is torn, but the compass stays true I’ll wrap my roots around the sun and keep walking through [Pre-Chorus] Breathing in salt, tasting spice and oil Listening for truth beneath the soil [Chorus] I own my name, I claim my ground Root and rise where I am found Authentic hearts beat loud and clear Rooted in tones that brought me here [Bridge] Touch is translation, conflict into grace We barter old myths for a gentler place Not to erase, but to honor the thread That ties Africa to Europe, and me to the dead [Chorus] I own my name, I claim my ground Root and rise where I am found Authentic hearts beat loud and clear Rooted in tones that brought me here [Verse 3] The rupture becomes a cradle, the clash a fire From sparks of doubt, I forge a quiet choir Mindful feet, open eyes, a slow return To the wells of my ancestors, where I learn [Outro] Balance found in form and meaning’s light A river that flows both day and night I am here, I am true, I belong A voice that sings of roots, becoming strong