[Verse 1 – low harmonium drone, dusty vinyl crackle, restrained tabla] I walked in with nothing No gold on my name They looked through my silence And laughed at the same I learned every lesson The hard way, alone Built strength from the pressure Then made it my throne [Pre-Chorus – handclaps enter, male response] I don't ask for a doorway I make one I don't wait for permission I take one [1-sec silence] Hear me now Hear me now What I built Can't be bought [Chorus – full claps, tabla bols, group response] Respect is earned Not demanded Respect is earned I stand on it [Male chant] Earned! [Crowd response] Earned! [Lead] Respect is earned Not demanded Respect is earned We stand on it [Verse 2 – clipped snare, deep sub-bass, brass stabs] Same eyes that doubted Now follow my step Same mouths that judged me Now call with respect I remember the silence I remember the weight I carried my hunger And walked through the gate [Pre-Chorus – rising call and response] I don't ask for a seat I make one I don't beg for a name I became one [1-sec silence] Hear me now Hear me now What I built Can't be bought [Chorus – bigger group chant] Respect is earned Not demanded Respect is earned I stand on it [Male chant] Earned! [Crowd response] Earned! [All] Respect is earned Not demanded Respect is earned We stand on it [Bridge – harmonium exposed, tabla gradually builds] [Lead] Who gave me this strength? [Crowd] You earned it! [Lead] Who gave me this name? [Crowd] You earned it! [Lead] Who opened that door? [Crowd] You broke through! [Lead] Who walks with me? [Crowd] We walk with you! [2-sec silence] [Lead – almost whispered] No crown on my head No throne in my sight Just truth in my chest And my back standing straight [Final Build – accelerating claps, tabla rolls, brass punches] Earned! [Crowd] Earned! Earned! [Crowd] Earned! [Lead] You can't buy it! [Crowd] You can't buy it! [Lead] You can't fake it! [Crowd] You can't fake it! [Final Chorus – massive communal chant] Respect is earned Not demanded Respect is earned We stand on it Respect is earned Not demanded Respect is earned We stand on it [Outro – harmonium drone, fading handclaps] Earned... Not demanded... Earned... We stand on it.
