(Boom-bap, soulful sample loop, pitched-up vocal chop hook) [Intro – filtered sample vibe] (“—just tryna make a livin’… livin’… livin’—”) Yeah… Punch the clock, punch the doubt. [Hook – soulful, looped feel] Just tryna make a livin’, city keep takin’ from me Bills stack high but the dream still chasin’ me Nine to five got my soul on delivery Clock in the pain, but I clock out victory Just tryna make a livin’, hands in the sky If the rent due Friday, we survive by July Heart stay gold even when the pay low Work all week just to feel okay though [Verse 1] Steel-toe mornings, coffee like oil Back ache talkin’ but I stay loyal Supervisor breath like he own my time But time don’t belong to a soul that grind Train ride packed, headphones loud Dreams bigger than the work boots proud Mama said, “Son, keep your chin up high” Even when the overtime eat your nights Paper thin wallet, thick skin built Learned young how the system tilt But I flip that pressure into drive Every setback teach me how to survive They say success take patience and pain I see both every day in the rain Still scribble my plans on a receipt While I bag up groceries on repeat [Hook] Just tryna make a livin’, city keep takin’ from me Bills stack high but the dream still chasin’ me Nine to five got my soul on delivery Clock in the pain, but I clock out victory Just tryna make a livin’, hands in the sky If the rent due Friday, we survive by July Heart stay gold even when the pay low Work all week just to feel okay though [Verse 2] Lunch break dreams in the parking lot Windows fog while the engine hot Writing bars on a notepad app Boss think I’m quiet, I’m plotting maps Warehouse echoes, concrete floors Sweat drip down but my hope want more Stacking hours like vinyl crates One day my name on a marquee gate From minimum wage to maximum vision Built my faith through repetition Every shift like a verse I wrote Every paycheck a lifeboat See my reflection in the glass at night Tired eyes but they still burn bright World move fast but I pace my steps Turn small wins into big upsets Ain’t just working to pay these dues I’m working to break these rules They can rent my hands for the day But they can’t lease my dreams away [Bridge – chopped vocal energy] (“—make it… make it… livin’—”) We rise before the sunrise Fall asleep with the city lights If I gotta grind for a better life I’ma grind till the pressure right [Final Hook – bigger, layered vocals] Just tryna make a livin’, heart stay driven From the bus stop cold to the high-rise vision Clock tick loud but I don’t stop spinnin’ Every small check build a large ambition Just tryna make a livin’, hands in the sky From the 9AM grind to the late-night cry Still stand tall when the odds don’t show Work all week but the dream still grow
