[Intro – upbeat ska guitar offbeat, walking bass, light horns] [Tempo: medium-fast, sunny but ironic mood] Wake up in the morning light Sunshine knocking, feels alright But the rent man knocking louder still Says, “Pay me now or lose your will” Shoes worn thin on broken street Counting coins just to eat People laughing, passing by But they don’t see the reason why [Pre-Chorus – horns swell slightly] Oh, the rhythm keeps me moving Though the pressure’s always proving Life don’t play a fair game Still we dancing just the same [Chorus – catchy, repetitive, singalong] Oh-oh, it’s the empty pocket parade Marching down every street we made Smile wide though the bills unpaid In the empty pocket parade Oh-oh, hear the trumpet cry Lift your head, don’t ask why Even when the days run dry We keep stepping, you and I [Verse 2 – slightly more groove, bass forward] Landlord talking through the door Says he’s heard it all before Promises don’t pay the dues But what else we got to use? Mama says “hold your ground” Don’t let trouble drag you down Even when the sky turns grey Find a song and drift away [Bridge – breakdown, minimal drums + bass] No gold chain, no fancy ride Just a rhythm deep inside No big plans, no safety net But we ain’t done dancing yet [Build – horns return, rising energy] Step by step, side to side Keep the fire burning bright Every voice, every sound Turn it up, don’t back down [Chorus – full energy, horns + backing vocals] Oh-oh, it’s the empty pocket parade Marching strong, unafraid Through the debts and the masquerade In the empty pocket parade Oh-oh, let the whole world see What we are, what we be No chains on our melody Just the sound of being free [Outro – fade with horns + offbeat guitar] [Repeat hook softly] Empty pockets, hearts of gold… Empty pockets… never sold…
