Verse 1 Clock in early, clock out late, Still counting pennies at the end of the day Paycheck thin as a paper plate, Inflation eating what the raises won’t save Twenty-three an hour, sounds alright on paper, But the numbers don’t lie when the rent gets steeper Dreams on layaway, hope on delay, Living one surprise bill from slipping away Pre-Chorus Every dollar’s spoken for before it hits my hand, Running just to stand still, wasn’t part of the plan Chorus Low wages, high rent, interest breathing down my neck Borrowing tomorrow just to cover what’s left It’s a cycle spinning faster, every month feels bent Low wages, high rent — and the debt don’t forget Verse 2 Landlord wants more for the same four walls, Groceries shrinking while the prices grow tall Swipe the card just to keep the lights on, Minimum payment barely making a dent at all APR climbing like a warning sign, Paying double for the privilege of falling behind Credit score sinking, stress in my chest, Losing sleep over numbers I can’t out‑run yet Pre-Chorus Rent eats half my check, then it asks for more, What’s a future for if I can’t get off the floor? Chorus Low wages, high rent, interest breathing down my neck Borrowing tomorrow just to cover what’s left It’s a cycle spinning faster, every month feels bent Low wages, high rent — and the debt don’t forget Bridge Can’t save, can’t move, can’t catch a break Every step forward feels like a costly mistake No equity, no cushion, no room to fall, Just a credit line pretending it’s a lifeline call They say work harder, be patient, wait But patience doesn’t renegotiate the rate Breakdown (optional / spoken or rap) Housing takes the oxygen, debt takes the air Pay takes the blame like it chose to be scarce Whole economy dragging on backs like these, When survival costs more than dignity Final Chorus Low wages, high rent, interest sharpening the knife Paying extra just to finance a normal life If the math stays broken, we all feel the dent Low wages, high rent — and the debt don’t forget Outro I don’t want luxury, don’t want excess Just a life that doesn’t punish existence Till the balance shifts and the weight relents, We’re stuck singing low wages, high rent
