**[Verse 1]**
I was raised where the sirens sang lullabies
Where ambition felt big but the ceilings low-rise
Every dream came attached to a “be realistic”
Like hope was expensive and faith was a risk
We had heat in the winter from turning the oven
And pride in the struggle like pain meant we something
I learned early the world don’t applaud
Till you bleeding in public or flexing a fraud
They want shine with no shadow attached
Want the win but don’t mention the scratch
Every scar that I carry a lesson
Every doubt just refined my direction
I ain’t chasing the hype, I’m pacing the climb
Building brick off a line at a time
If the crown feel heavy, good —
Means I earned every ounce that I could
**[Pre-Hook – Soft Build]**
I’ve been holding my breath too long
Waiting for a door to open
Now I’m kicking doubt down slow
Let the pressure turn me golden
**[Hook – Melodic & Emotional]**
I won’t break, I bend
Every loss just makes me stronger in the end
If I fall, I rise again
Turn the weight into a wind
Ohhh, I’ve been forged in the fire
Every bruise took me higher
If the world don’t see my worth
I’ll remind ‘em who I am
Gold under pressure —
That’s just who I am
**[Verse 2]**
They sell shortcuts like miracles cheap
While I’m knee-deep invested in what I believe
You can rent you a wave for the moment
But I’d rather own depth than be floating
Seen too many trade soul for applause
Sign away truth for a clause
But the mirror don’t lie when it’s quiet
Can’t photoshop who you are
I write like I’m talking to younger me
Lost in the doubt and the hunger deep
Telling him, “Keep that fire alive
Even when the flame look outnumbered, see”
I don’t need validation loud
Just a steady pen and a stubborn vow
If they overlook now, that’s fine
Greatness don’t beg, it’s found
**[Pre-Hook]**
I’ve been holding my breath too long
Waiting for a door to open
Now I’m kicking doubt down slow
Let the pressure turn me golden
**[Hook – Bigger, Layered Vocals]**
I won’t break, I bend
Every loss just makes me stronger in the end
If I fall, I rise again
Turn the weight into a wind
Ohhh, I’ve been forged in the fire
Every bruise took me higher
If the world don’t see my worth
I’ll remind ‘em who I am
Gold under pressure —
That’s just who I am
**[Bridge – Half-Sung, Half-Rap]**
They told me “play it safe”
But safe don’t make a diamond
Pressure build the shape
Now the glow undeniable
I was down, now I’m steady climbing
No shortcuts, perfect timing
**[Final Hook – Stripped & Emotional]**
I won’t break… I bend
Even if I lose, I win
‘Cause the fire that I’m in
Made me gold under my skin.
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HollowVotive
