Late Bus Medal

[Verse 1]
I came up with a lunch tray plan
Cold fries, big dreams, and a busted blue van
Learned how to count while the rent got mean
Three knocks on the door, I was out that scene

I don’t fold when the room goes dead
I got a whole storm lined up in my head
Mud on my shoes, still clean on my name
Every bad week just fed my flame

I used to chase luck down a one-way block
Now I make time stop when I lean on the drop
You want talk? I got proof in the stride
Every scar on my skin got a ride or die

[Pre-Chorus]
Hold up
Watch me now
I been patient too long
I’m the one they doubt

[Chorus]
I don’t back down
I don’t back down
Say it loud now
I don’t back down

Hands up high
When I come through town
Say my name
I don’t back down

[Verse 2]
Same old chair, same cracked floor
I made a throne out the things they ignored
Took every “nah” and turned it to fuel
Now the whole block knows I’m not your fool

Got my heart in a chest full of glass
Still I move like I’m built to outlast
No fake grin, no borrowed shine
I earn each inch with a bruised-up spine

Seen friends switch for a little more green
Seen truth get small in a cheap routine
But I kept mine tucked in a work-worn coat
Like a folded-up promise on a long road note

[Pre-Chorus]
Hold up
Watch me now
I been patient too long
I’m the one they doubt

[Chorus]
I don’t back down
I don’t back down
Say it loud now
I don’t back down

Hands up high
When I come through town
Say my name
I don’t back down

[Bridge]
Been bent, not broke
Been low, not done
If the door stays shut
I kick through one

No crown, just grit
No luck, just work
Every step I take
Makes the old pain hurt

[Chorus]
I don’t back down
I don’t back down
Say it loud now
I don’t back down

Hands up high
When I come through town
Say my name
I don’t back down