[Verse 1] Hand-me-down shoes Bus card, two stops Mama at work I learned from the block Uncles in jail Big bros in a box Only thing talking to me Old clock, tick-tock Coach said “listen” Heard it then I ran Had to teach myself What it means to be a man Burnt rice on the stove Still, I made a plan Mirror was my mentor We shook on it, hand to hand (yeah) [Chorus] I had to be the man on my own Built every brick from the pain I was shown Turned every “where you at?” to “I’m grown” I raised myself, now I’m taking that throne I had to be the man on my own Carried all the weight till it carved in my bones Nobody came through when I felt alone I raised myself, now I’m claiming my home (my home) [Verse 2] Heard your name once In a hallway fight Kid said his pops hit mine Then he took flight Funny how ghosts Still swing in the night I duck, I weave I rewrite my life Showed my lil bro How to tie his lace Told him “stand tall Keep your word in place” Taught him “I’m sorry” Ain’t a weak man phrase Strength is looking fear Dead in its face (look) [Chorus] I had to be the man on my own Built every brick from the pain I was shown Turned every “where you at?” to “I’m grown” I raised myself, now I’m taking that throne I had to be the man on my own Carried all the weight till it carved in my bones Nobody came through when I felt alone I raised myself, now I’m claiming my home (yeah) [Bridge] I ain’t you But I thank you for the lesson Empty chair taught me How to count my blessings Broke that chain Left it lying in the dirt I became the man That shows up first (every time) [Chorus] I had to be the man on my own Built every brick from the pain I was shown Turned every “where you at?” to “I’m grown” I raised myself, now I’m taking that throne I had to be the man on my own Carried all the weight till it carved in my bones Nobody came through when I felt alone I raised myself, now I’m finally home
