[INTRO - RUFFIAN] Yeah... Everybody sees the picture when the frame look good. Nobody asks what it took to get the frame. [VERSE 1 - RUFFIAN] I paid with time that I could never get back Missed a couple moments while I stayed on the track Had to choose between the comfort and the grind Had to leave some things behind just to find my mind I paid with sleep, paid with patience, paid with doubt Had to keep the engine running when I wanted to tap out People see the progress, see the shine on the floor They don't see all the nights I was pacing the floor I ain't complaining, I'm counting the cost Every road I chose had a lesson and a loss Had to learn that every "yes" means something you decline Every hour that you give ain't coming back in time So I stopped chasing everything that looked like a win Started asking what I'd have to sacrifice to get in Now I measure what I gain by what I can keep Peace in my heart and a clear mind when I sleep [HOOK - RUFFIAN] I know what it cost me I remember every price Every sacrifice behind me Every roll of the dice I know what it cost me But I wouldn't change the road 'Cause the weight that I carried Made me stronger for the load [VERSE 2 - RUFFIAN] Lost some people, found myself in the space Had to understand that everybody can't stay Some relationships faded, some grew with the years Some disappeared quietly, some survived through the tears I learned success ain't worth losing your soul A full bank account can't make an empty heart whole So I kept what was real and released what was fake Started choosing what mattered with every decision I made Now I laugh at the pressure that used to scare me 'Cause the old version of myself barely could carry me Had to grow into the man that could handle the weight Had to stop blaming timing and start respecting the wait Every sacrifice wasn't punishment or pain Some were investments I was making for the change And when I look back, I can finally see The price wasn't taking from me... It was investing in me. [HOOK - RUFFIAN] I know what it cost me I remember every price Every sacrifice behind me Every roll of the dice I know what it cost me But I wouldn't change the road 'Cause the weight that I carried Made me stronger for the load [BRIDGE - RUFFIAN] Would I do it different? Maybe some things. Would I do it again? For what I know now... Yeah. [VERSE 3 - RUFFIAN] I would've called more, listened more, slowed down Spent less time trying to prove myself to the crowd Would've enjoyed some moments instead of rushing ahead Would've trusted certain people instead of fearing instead That's maturity, knowing what you can't replace Knowing some victories ain't worth what they take Now I'm building with balance, got a different view I don't need to lose myself just to prove what I can do So here's to the nights that nobody remembers The cold decisions and the long Decembers The choices that hurt but eventually made sense The money I lost, the time I spent I carry no shame for the road that I chose I just carry the wisdom wherever I go If the price made me wiser, then the payment was worth I know what it cost me... And I know what I'm worth. [FINAL HOOK - RUFFIAN] I know what it cost me I remember every price Every sacrifice behind me Every roll of the dice I know what it cost me But I wouldn't change the road 'Cause the weight that I carried Made me stronger for the load [OUTRO - RUFFIAN] You can't buy back time. So spend it like it matters.
