[Verse 1] I came up past the pawn shop glass Where the hard boys laughed and the bottles crashed Mama prayed while the sirens wailed I learned real quick how the strong got pale Fists flew fast on a gravel night One bad turn and I lost that fight Blood on my shirt, dirt in my mouth I was one breath shy of going out [Pre-Chorus] Then a hand reached down in the smoke Said, boy, don't let that darkness own you whole I heard that voice in my busted head Like a second chance I never said [Chorus] I made it out, by grace alone (Grace alone) From the cold hard block to the mercy throne (mercy throne) I made it out, I found my way (found my way) Now I lift them up so they won't stay [Verse 2] I knew the taste of cheap regret And the morning after, soaked in debt Eyes too red to face the day Heard one more call, then I knelt and stayed Now I walk where the young ones roam On the corner steps, I bring them home Tell them scars don't make your name And a dead-end road don't mean the same [Pre-Chorus] I seen those boys with the hungry stare So I speak truth like a prayer in air If I can stand, then you can too There’s a road of light with room for you [Chorus] I made it out, by grace alone (Grace alone) From the cold hard block to the mercy throne (mercy throne) I made it out, I found my way (found my way) Now I lift them up so they won't stay [Bridge] I still feel that old pull sometimes That wild red heat, that fight in my mind But I trade that rage for a steady hand And I keep on building where I used to stand [Final Chorus] I made it out, by grace alone (Grace alone) From the cold hard block to the mercy throne (mercy throne) I made it out, I found my way (found my way) Now I lift them up so they won't stay I made it out, I carry light (carry light) For every kid still losing the fight I made it out, and now I say You can get free, and find your way
