The Step I’m On [Acoustic guitar, steady kick drum, soulful rap-verse, melodic Country-Pop chorus, raw, honest, 85 BPM.] [INTRO] (Acoustic guitar strums once, let it ring) (Bass thumps twice) Yeah. From the file to the future. One day at a time. I see you, 2026. [V1] Walked into the meeting with my head held low Carrying secrets that I didn't want to show Twelve steps on the wall, I was stuck on the first Trying to quench a spiritual kind of thirst I remember the silence in the foster home halls Writing my name on the back of the walls Adopted at twelve, but the heart was still torn Between the girl I was and the woman being born. (I’m still here! I’m still standing!) [REFRAIN] They say the past is a ghost that’ll follow you home But I’m tired of feeling like I’m standing alone I’m picking up the pieces, I’m breaking the seal On a heart that’s finally learning how to feel. [CHORUS] I’m not the girl in the foster home file I’ve traded the shame for a brand new mile I’m not "Silent Sarah" anymore, I’ve got plenty to say I’m climbing the mountain, I’m finding my way It don't matter where I’ve been or the things I’ve gone through I’m defined by the step I’m on, and the God I’m holding onto. [POST-CHORUS] One step. (Yeah) One mile. (Uh-huh) From the shadow... to the smile. I’m defined by the step I’m on. [V2] Ten years in surgery, seeing wounds get closed But the ones on the inside are the hardest exposed Bachelor’s degree, yeah, I’m almost at the door The girl who felt "less than" don't live here no more Between the scrubs and the homework and the three boys at home I’ve built a foundation stronger than stone From a number in a system to a Health Science pro I’m the miracle that they didn't want to know! (Ryan, Hayden, Dominic—this is for you!) [CHORUS] I’m not the girl in the foster home file I’ve traded the shame for a brand new mile I’m not "Silent Sarah" anymore, I’ve got plenty to say I’m climbing the mountain, I’m finding my way It don't matter where I’ve been or the things I’ve gone through I’m defined by the step I’m on, and the God I’m holding onto. [V3] I’ve survived the David’s and I’ve outrun the Tyler’s I’m done being caught in the unhealthy wires Black and Boricua, yeah, I’m rare and I’m royal I’m the fruit of the spirit, I’m the fruit of the soil Working my steps, yeah, I’m doing the work In the shadows of the past where the old demons lurk I’m reclaiming my name, I’m reclaiming my life Beyond the struggle and beyond the strife! (Step by step! Whoo!) [BRIDGE] One step for the girl who was scared to speak One step for the moments I felt far too weak One step for the future, one step for the crown I’m the miracle that wouldn't let the world keep me down. (I’m on that mile now!) [OUTRO] Yeah, I’m on step twelve now… Helping someone else find their way out of the file. Just a woman with a brand new mile. (2026... I'm ready. Let’s walk.) (Acoustic guitar fades out slowly)