[Verse 1] Hallway smells like bleach and rain Last bell hit, I still feel pain Folders heavy in my bag Mama said, "Don't let dreams sag" Late bus seat, cracked-up seat Same old shoes, same old beat But I wrote my name in ink I ain't sunk, I think I think [Pre-Chorus] One more test, one more fight I been living on that light If I fall, I rise again I can make it, yes I can [Chorus] Hold onto hope Hold onto hope Cap and gown, don’t let go Hold onto hope Hold onto hope Hold onto hope First train out, I’m gonna go Hold onto hope [Verse 2] Counselor said, "You got the plan" I said, "Watch me, yes I can" Cheap notebook, bent-back spine Filled with names and borrowed time My friends talk loud in the lunchroom Jokes fly fast, then the bell boom We laughed through the hard days Now that future starts to change [Pre-Chorus] One more test, one more fight I been living on that light If I fall, I rise again I can make it, yes I can [Chorus] Hold onto hope Hold onto hope Cap and gown, don’t let go Hold onto hope Hold onto hope Hold onto hope First train out, I’m gonna go Hold onto hope [Bridge] [Half-time] When the doubt gets mean And the road looks steep I hear my momma say "Baby, keep your seat" I seen the broke-down days I seen the tears on the floor Now I’m one step from the stage And I want more, I want more [Final Chorus] Hold onto hope Hold onto hope Cap and gown, don’t let go Hold onto hope Hold onto hope Hold onto hope Campus gates, I’m coming through Hold onto hope (hold onto hope)
