(Verse 1)

[Intro – soft piano arpeggios, quiet kick drum] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 1 – gritty vocals, steady snare roll] I thank you Father for all you've done for me Raising me to be a man through times that felt so tough Love was thicker than water, Family First was the rule Yeah, Pop was always there when I was feeling scared and blue 'Cause my mama was stuck in a cycle I couldn't fix Got me seeing things no little boy should ever witness I grew up in the gutter, life was sharp as a broken brick But my pops always had my back, he always had my six He hooked me up with things when others couldn't afford Said this life's just a start, you're destined for something more He told me I can be whatever I want to be Had my back even when I was a dumb kid making messes freely [Chorus – swelling strings, layered vocals] You're my first hero, the one who taught me to stand When the world caved in, you held out a helping hand I promise one day I'll get you back for all you gave We'll live high on the hill, no more storms to brave [Verse 2 – deeper vocal tone, muted bassline] My mama's house was a chaos I couldn't escape Strangers in my space, everything smelling like decay Papa took me out, put me in his quiet little home Gave me my own room, finally felt like I belonged I was tired of that life, so I made a choice to change Followed the family line, signed up to wear the range Papa served back in '70, brother and grandpas too So it felt like destiny to be the one to see it through I thought it was high speed, but it's just a different kind of hard Days blend together, counting the miles back to your yard I send you pictures so you know I'm okay Send little gifts home, hope they chase the blues away [Bridge – stripped back piano, vulnerable vocals] I pray to God that my father stays safe each night Pray that the weight on his shoulders fades with the light Pray for all my people stuck in the dark and cold Pray we all find a way to break the mold I love my papa over anything under the sun Like father like son, we're two halves of the same one When times get tough, I know I can count on you Through every high and low, we'll see it through [Chorus – full instrumental swell, passionate vocals] You're my first hero, the one who taught me to stand When the world caved in, you held out a helping hand I promise one day I'll get you back for all you gave We'll live high on the hill, no more storms to brave [Verse 3 – urgent vocals, building drum beat] Bills pile up high, eating away at my check I put my life on the line for this, but it still feels like a debt I don't understand why this life's so heavy to bear But I got my brothers' back, I'll stand tall through every snare I'm locked down far away, counting the days to return If I don't make it back, know I tried to earn Every bit of pride you have in me, every smile you show I'll send my love in every breath, even when I'm gone, you'll know [Outro – fading piano, soft vocal hum] Life's hard, stay close to your peace Blood thicker than water, always I grit my teeth, keep moving on You're the reason I keep holding on