Future Ain’t Free

[Intro]
Yeah
Look
Future ain’t free (nah)
[Verse 1]
If you don’t take risks, you can’t make a future
That’s what my uncle said, beer on the counter
Bills past due, shoes by the heater
“I bet on safety, now I’m stuck right here”
Clock in, clock out, same old ceiling
Scrolling through my phone, other people winning
Screenshot dreams, but I never hit send
Fear in my throat when I think of hitting “end”
[Chorus]
If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future
Staying in place just makes the cage smoother
I’m done saying “someday,” I need it sooner
I’m stepping out shaky, but I’m stepping truer
If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future
Comfort is a contract, pain in the fine print
I’d rather break now than break when my time’s spent
If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future (future)
[Verse 2]
Mama said, “Baby, keep that steady check”
But steady got me stuck with this pressure on my neck
Tried to play small, tried to blend in quiet
Heart kept yelling, “You were born to try it” (hey!)
Every L I took put a map in my hand
Each closed door just showed me where to stand
Yeah, I’m scared stiff, but I move anyway
‘Cause fear don’t fade, it just learns how to pray
[Bridge]
Late night, one light, cursor blinking
Whole life balanced on what I’m thinking
“Post it, drop it, say it, go”
Or grow old replaying that “I don’t know”
[Chorus]
If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future
Staying in place just makes the cage smoother
I’m done saying “someday,” I need it sooner
I’m stepping out shaky, but I’m stepping truer
If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future
Comfort is a contract, pain in the fine print
I’d rather break now than break when my time’s spent
If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future (future)

rap, Minimalist boom-bap with warm vinyl crackle and a deep, rubbery bassline. Male vocals, close and confident, verses in a tight pocket with subtle pitchy ad-libs. Hook explodes with stacked chant-style doubles and roomy claps, then drops back to sparse drums and a droning synth pad on the bridge for a reflective dip before the final chorus hits harder.