[INTRO] Yeah… 1989. You see the folder? I see the future. Let’s go. [V1] Folder was manila, but my spirit was a kaleidoscope Twelve years of drifting, hanging on a frayed rope Black and Boricua, curls wild in the kitchen chair Momma’s hands braiding rhythm through my tangled hair Then the system took the comb, gave me recommendations Relax the roots, Sarah, smooth out the complications Chemicals burning on a twelve-year-old’s scalp Trying to fit a file that couldn't give me any help. [REFRAIN] I was smoothed out, quieted, tucked in a drawer Silent Sarah didn't live there anymore But the fire in the kitchen, and the heat in the blood You can’t wash a diamond away in the mud. [CHORUS] They wrote my name in lead, but I’m living it in gold The greatest story that the paperwork never told I’m the queen of the clinic, I’m the light in the OR I traded in the shame for a brand new star Yeah, I’m building a kingdom, I’m finishing the race I’m the anatomy of power, I’m the anatomy of grace! [V2] Ten years in surgery, I’ve seen the way the body mends I’m stitching up the spirit where the physical world ends Bachelor’s in Health Science—yeah, I’m almost at the tape There’s no foster in my future, there is no escape From the woman I’ve become, from the mother that I am I’m the shepherd of my household, I’m the lion and the lamb Working that colon-rectal floor, seeing life in the raw I’m the masterpiece that broke every system law. [CHORUS] They wrote my name in lead, but I’m living it in gold The greatest story that the paperwork never told I’m the queen of the clinic, I’m the light in the OR I traded in the shame for a brand new star Yeah, I’m building a kingdom, I’m finishing the race I’m the anatomy of power, I’m the anatomy of grace! [BRIDGE] A year from now, Sarah, I hope you’re dancing in the light I hope the 21-day fast set your spirit on a flight I hope you remember the burn of the relaxer in your hair And realize you’re the answer to every childhood prayer Unspoken victories—yeah, I’ve had ‘em by the ton I’m the daughter of the King, and the work is finally done. [V3] Celebrate Recovery, yeah, I’m working every step Deep inside the secrets that the little girl kept I’m trading in the tea for the Truth starting Friday Clearing out the clutter, doing it the High Way Pentecostal fire, yeah, it’s burning in my bones I’m the living proof that God don’t leave His kids alone From the hot mess curls to the cap and the gown I’m the only one allowed to wear this Boricua crown! [OUTRO] Stitch by stitch… the rhythm returns. Water and the Word… let the old self burn. I’m not the girl in the file. I’m the woman with the smile. Living in gold… 1989 to forever… Sarah Alicea Winter.

Living in Gold