The Grounded Kid

[Intro – shouted over quick power-chord stabs] Yeah, I’m not floating up there! I’m right here—wheels on the ground! [Verse 1] I don’t drift, I zoom Skate deck hitting cracks, shaking off the gloom While you’re way up high saying sorry to the stars I’m scratching my name on every bench and rail scar No paper wings, no strings to hold me tight I snap the leash on purpose, chase the speed and light You glow all soft and quiet, I glow loud and bright Burning through the afternoon like it’s dynamite [Pre-Chorus] No fancy mood lights, no slow and dreamy fade I’m sparks and speed right in the barricade They call it crazy, I call it wide awake While you’re getting thinner, I’m doubling down—make no mistake! [Chorus – full band explodes, gang vocals cheering] I’m not burning out slow—I’m lighting up right now! Crash-landing every jump, yelling “watch me” to the crowd! To the ones still drifting—hey, that’s cool for you But I’d rather hit the pavement than float into the blue! Grounded kid, grounded kid, staying on the floor I pick the dirt, the flips, the stuff worth fighting for Wake me up? Nah, I’m already wide awake! Burn fast or burn out—I choose to shake! [Verse 2] You cheer the ones who drop and hit the grass so quick I’m the one who never left the sidewalk trick I trip, I scrape, I laugh right through the sting While you’re rising higher like some floating king My shadow’s short ’cause I hug the blacktop close No long trail begging for a spotlight dose I grind every rail and curb until my sneakers sing Collect the scabs like stickers—proof of everything [Pre-Chorus] No pretty fading out, no beautiful goodbye Just me still rolling, still reaching for the sky But from down here—yeah, this is where I stay You can keep the clouds—I’ll take the whole day [Chorus – bigger, faster, everyone shouting along] I’m not burning out slow—I’m lighting up right now! Crash-landing every jump, yelling “watch me” to the crowd! To the ones still drifting—hey, that’s cool for you But I’d rather hit the pavement than float into the blue! Grounded kid, grounded kid, staying on the floor I pick the dirt, the flips, the stuff worth fighting for Wake me up? Nah, I’m already wide awake! Burn fast or burn out—I choose to shake! [Bridge – guitars chug low, vocals half-yelled, half-laughing, building fast] Let the lanterns float and cry into their glow I’m down here popping ollies, stealing every show No wishing signal, no sad little spark Just a kid who decided he’d leave his mark On the concrete, on the fence, on your memory I don’t need height to feel totally free You float forever—I slam forever We both burn bright… but mine lasts longer! [Final Chorus – total party energy, tempo maxed, huge gang shouts] I’m not burning out slow—I’m lighting up right now! Every crash is a high-five to the ground somehow! To the ones still drifting—love you, but I’m out Grounded forever, screaming my shout! Grounded kid, grounded kid, rooted in the fight I choose the mess, the speed, the reckless light No wake me up—I’m wide awake and loud Burn fast, burn bright, burn super proud! [Outro – guitars ring out on one big chord, drums pound to a happy stop, final yelled line with a grin] To the ones still drifting… Keep your pretty glow. I’m staying down here where the real adventures grow. Grounded. Always. Catch me if you can!