Cold to Gold

[Intro] City clock ticks, neon rain on the bricks, I hear the hiss of the train Feet echo alleys, hustle stamps my name, I'm chasing a flame [Verse 1] Blocks talk back in whispers, stories etched in concrete scars Sirens hum like distant guitars, I'm scraping nickels from the stars Gas station breath, coffee and regrets, I count the hours on my skin Eyes on the prize, I dodge the lies, survival is a constant spin Pockets light, visions bright, I walk through the maze with a plan A raw anthem in my lungs, ambition scribbled in my hand Friends fade like street signs in rain, loyalty's a pressure gauge I keep my circle tight, trust is earned in every hard-won phase [Pre-Chorus] Every step is a choice, every choice wears a price I juggle risk and reward, roll the dice with sharpened vice [Chorus] I came from the cold to claim the gold, I move with a thunderous pace Heart full of grit, eyes on the hill, I’m never shrinking from the chase Hard lessons in the city’s soul, I wore the pain on my sleeve I speak in fire, survive and aspire, I won't ever grieve [Verse 2] Vivid murals on the bridge tell stories of a thousand tries I map my fate in the paint, I barter whispers for sunrise Edge of danger in my timing, I savor every near-miss win Calculated moves, I break the rules I’m learning to bend Late-night kitchens, code-switching, signatures in spray and chrome I protect what's mine with a ring of steel, a makeshift home [Pre-Chorus] Pressure builds like a drumline, I breathe through the city glare Every scar a chapter etched, proof I’m still here and still rare [Chorus] I came from the cold to claim the gold, I move with a thunderous pace Heart full of grit, eyes on the hill, I’m never shrinking from the chase Hard lessons in the city’s soul, I wore the pain on my sleeve I speak in fire, survive and aspire, I won't ever grieve [Bridge] If the night tests me again, I’ll rise with a louder voice Built from the cracks of these sidewalks, I’ve counted every choice [Chorus] I came from the cold to claim the gold, I move with a thunderous pace Heart full of grit, eyes on the hill, I’m never shrinking from the chase Hard lessons in the city’s soul, I wore the pain on my sleeve I speak in fire, survive and aspire, I won’t ever grieve [Outro] Storm still rages but I’m weathered, hustle steady, hustle true City’s pulse in my chest, I’ve learned to love the grind and few