Can't get Ahead (v5.5 revised)

(Verse 1) I’ve been up before the sunrise, boots on in the dark, Clockin’ in and countin’ hours, grindin’ just to make my mark. But every time I think I’m climbin’, that hill just gets more steep, Feels like life keeps all the winnings, and I just get the receipt. (Chorus) No matter how hard I try, I just can’t get ahead, Feels like I’m runnin’ full-speed while the world’s two steps ahead. I keep a little faith in my pocket, when my hope feels thin as thread, But no matter how hard I try… I just can’t get ahead. (Verse 2) I patch the truck, I fix the roof, and pray the good Lord sees, I’m standin’ tall through every fall, on tired achin’ knees. But every dollar that I earn has somewhere else to be, And every dream I chase is still a mile in front of me. (Verse 3) Some days I feel the weight of it, like stones inside my chest, Tryin’ to smile through all the trials, tellin’ folks I’m doin’ my best. But even when the storms roll in and hope feels near outdone, I steel my heart, stand my ground, and face another one. (Chorus) No matter how hard I try, I just can’t get ahead, Feels like I’m runnin’ full-speed while the world’s two steps ahead. I keep a little faith in my pocket, when my hope feels thin as thread, But no matter how hard I try… I just can’t get ahead. (Verse 4) And when the night gets quiet, that’s when doubts start rollin’ in, I think of all the roads I’ve walked and where I might’ve been. But somewhere in the shadows, there’s a spark that ain’t burned out, A little voice that tells me, “Son, you’re gonna make it, no doubt.” (Bridge) But maybe tomorrow’s sunrise Will shine a little brighter on me, Maybe one small break will find me And set this worn-out heart free. (Final Chorus) ‘Cause no matter how hard I try, some days I’m hangin’ by a thread, But I wake up swingin’ anyway, I ain’t done fightin’ yet. Maybe hope’s just slow in comin’, but I’ll keep pushin’ ‘til I’m dead Yeah, no matter how hard I try… somehow I’ll get ahead.