[Verse 1] In halls of power, and streets below A silent struggle, a seed to sow Respect, a currency, bartered and bought A fundamental right, reduced to naught [Pre-Chorus] We build our walls, on shifting sand Ignoring the plea, of every helping hand Demanding worth, before we lend an ear Lost in the echo, of unspoken fear [Chorus] Respect is the bedrock, the air we breathe Not a prize to be won, or a garland to wreathe It's the simple grace, in every shared space A foundation of trust, for the human race [Verse 2] From gilded towers, to humble homes The cry resounds, in weary tones "Earn my respect," the gatekeepers say While empathy crumbles, day by day [Pre-Chorus] We chase the phantom, of deserving praise Entangled in systems, and societal maze Forgetting the truth, that binds us as one Beneath the surface, 'til the setting sun [Chorus] They sell respect to the loudest voice Call it merit, call it choice But dignity shouldn’t need a fight To be seen as basic human right [Bridge] Let kindness bloom, where judgment resides Tear down the walls, with unwavering strides See the inherent worth, in every soul we meet A symphony of voices, bittersweet [Chorus] Respect is the bedrock, the air we breathe Not a prize to be won, or a garland to wreathe It's the simple grace, in every shared space A foundation of trust, for the human race [Outro] So let respect be given, freely and wide A rising tide, lifting every side Until it echoes, in all that we do A world reborn, honest and true
