**Title: “Back When the Lights Were Wide”** **Verse 1** When I was a kid on a cracked-line street Sneakers torn, but my heart ran free Radio humming through a bedroom wall Every dream felt ten feet tall Mama said, “Boy, this world ain’t kind” But I believed I could outrun time **Pre-Chorus** We were kings of the corner, queens of the night Chasing sparks in the pale moonlight **Chorus** Hey! Back when the lights were wide And the road didn’t ask for proof We swore we’d never fade or hide Yeah, we were bulletproof Now I’m standing here with dust on my name But I still hear that younger sound I grew up hard, I grew up fast But I’m still fighting for that ground **Verse 2** First job, grease on my hands Counting hours, learning how to stand Friends fell off like autumn leaves Some stayed stuck, some had to leave I kissed love and I kissed pain Learned nothing comes without a chain **Pre-Chorus** Every mile left a mark on my skin But the fire said, “Try again” **Chorus** Hey! Back when the lights were wide And the night sang just for us We ran on hope and stubborn pride Yeah, we trusted rust and dust Now the mirror shows lines I earned From every bridge I burned or crossed I grew up strong, I grew up scarred But I still believe in us **Bridge (Stadium Breakdown)** Whoa-oh-oh! Hands up to the sky now! Whoa-oh-oh! If you’re still alive, shout it out! I’ve seen the world break promises I’ve seen it bend men low But every time I hear that old song play I remember what I know **Final Chorus** Hey! I was a kid with a borrowed dream Now I’m a man with a tested soul This world tried hard to silence me But I never let it take control So if you’re lost on a midnight road With nothing left but your name Hold on tight to who you were That kid still fuels the flame **Outro** Yeah, the kid’s still here… Under the weight, under the years… Still running.
