[Intro - Piano bounce] Didn't look like much to you. Looked like a way forward to me. [Verse 1 - Bouncy rap] First pay after months trying to hold ground, Saw that number, felt my shoulders come down. Not rich. Just enough. Still hit harder than a night playing tough. Could buy food without doing a coin count, Could say yes to a thing that I used to go without. Work gave rhythm, gave somewhere to stand, Gave a reason to get up that wasn't panic again. Person who helped didn't need a speech, Just gave a chance that was within my reach. I won't forget what a small hand did, When I felt like the world had run out of it. [Build] Earned that day. Kept that word. Now let the whole room Hear that kick return! [Chorus - Shouted bounce] FIRST HONEST PAY! FIRST REAL BREATH! I BUILT SOMETHING I DIDN'T HAVE TO REGRET! SHOW UP! DO RIGHT! GOT A LITTLE BIT OF GROUND— AND I'M HOLDING IT TIGHT! [Verse 2 - Fast bounce] Wasn't instantly grown, wasn't suddenly wise, Still had rough habits taking up space inside. But a routine could interrupt a spiral, Made an ordinary week feel worth trying. Turn up tired. Turn up still. Don't need a perfect mood to pay that bill. Learnt my name could mean "he'll get it done," Not just a story about where I came from. Little by little I put trust in my hands, Started making plans that could actually stand. Still grateful to the people who let me start, And the work that put some backbone in my heart. [Bridge - Drums out] Money bought a meal. Work bought direction. Help bought a chance. I had to respect it. [Final Chorus - Bigger bounce] FIRST HONEST PAY! FIRST REAL BREATH! I BUILT SOMETHING I DIDN'T HAVE TO REGRET! SHOW UP! DO RIGHT! GOT A LITTLE BIT OF GROUND— AND I'M HOLDING IT TIGHT!
