[Verse 1] I came in raw, hands shook Couldn’t build a thing I’d keep Read the signs on the doorframe Learn the floor before you leap Teacher said, “Start with corners” I was trying to paint the sky But a weak base cracks in winter And I had to see why [Bridge] Slow down Count the bricks Every fast dream Needs a grip [Chorus] Learn the roots Hold the line Learn the roots Take your time Knowledge first Then we rise Knowledge first That’s how I [Verse 2] I watched my pride get loud Then watched it fall apart Pretty words don’t hold weight When the load gets hard Now I keep a notebook folded Next to every little plan If I know what holds me steady I can stand [Bridge] Slow down Name the parts What you study Changes hearts [Verse 3] My old man said, “Kid, listen” When the room went cold and thin You can’t fake your way through hunger You can’t wing your way through sin So I ask the hard questions Even when I feel small 'Cause the truth gets me to the top And ignorance costs it all [Bridge] Slow down Let it sink What you learn Becomes how you think [Verse 4] I seen bright minds burn out quick Trying to skip the weight No tool in the hand Means no way to shape the gate So I study in the rain With my back against the wall Every lesson got a purpose Every purpose got a call [Final Chorus] Learn the roots Hold the line Learn the roots Take your time Knowledge first Then we rise Knowledge first That’s how I Learn the roots Hold the line Learn the roots Make it mine Knowledge first Through the fight Knowledge first That’s my light
