[Verse 1]
Mama on the couch, eyes glassed, TV glow
Plates on the floor, same clothes, three days in a row
Fists through doors, [low vocal register] “boy, stay quiet, don’t move”
Heart learned every creak in that chipped-up room
Walked to school hungry, cracked lips, cold air
Teacher asked questions, I just learned that blank stare
Sirens my lullaby, shouting in the hall
Neighbors heard the storm, never made the call
[Chorus]
Safe house, but I came here with scars
Both hands shaking, still reaching for arms
Thought love left me, locked outside in the dark
Now I eat at a table, pass plates, pass heart
Yeah, I grew through the bruises and bars
Turned all that pain into part of my art
Safe house, but I came here with scars
Safe house, and they held every part
[Verse 2]
First night in the foster crib, sheets smelled clean
Didn’t trust quiet, that felt meaner than screams
Lady in the kitchen said, “Baby, you can rest”
I slept in my hoodie, shoes on, chest pressed
Woke up to pancakes, syrup on the side
Little kids laughing, dog barking outside
They saved me a seat, chair scraped on tile
I counted exits, they just counted my smiles
Caseworker talking, I just watched his watch
He said “this ain’t prison, kid, that door’s unlocked”
Still flinched when he hugged, my brain yelled “threat”
But his hand on my shoulder stayed soft, never clenched
[Chorus]
Safe house, but I came here with scars
Both hands shaking, still reaching for arms
Thought love left me, locked outside in the dark
Now I eat at a table, pass plates, pass heart
Yeah, I grew through the bruises and bars
Turned all that pain into part of my art
Safe house, but I came here with scars
Safe house, and they held every part
[Bridge]
To every kid with a backpack full of fear
Posters on the wall, but nobody ever hears
There’s a porch light on you ain’t seen yet
There’s a family that’ll meet you where you’re at
You ain’t your bruises
You ain’t that shout
You more than the nights
You never got out
[whispered vocals] I was you
Now I’m proof
Hurt made roots
But love pulled through
[Chorus]