[Verse 1]
She’s up before the buses
Dark outside the kitchen glass
Folds her apron in her backpack
Breath in
Count the cash
Same shoes
Second shift
Coffee in a paper cup
Reads the note her daughter left
“Mom
I’m never giving up”
[Chorus]
This is survival
Slow burn
Long night
Just trying to live
Not die
Holding up the sky with tired hands
Every dollar
Every mile
This is survival
But she still finds a way to smile
[Verse 2]
He clocks in past sundown
Says “I’ll take whatever’s left”
Laughs it off like it’s a game
Treats the long hours like a test
Grease stains on his knuckles
Phone light on her name
Scrolls her cap and gown on screen
Whispers
“You’re the one I’m doing this for” (yeah)
[Chorus]
This is survival
Slow burn
Long night
Just trying to live
Not die
Holding up the sky with aching hands
Every dollar
Every mile
This is survival
But he still finds a way to smile
[Bridge]
Rent due
Lights due
Hearts due a little rest
They trade sleep for semesters
Trade fear for one more step
She says
“Baby
Keep on going”
He says
“Baby
Take your time”
Two worn-out dreamers
Building you a different life
[Chorus]
This is survival
Slow burn
Long night
Just trying to live
Not die
Holding up the sky with shaking hands
Every dollar
Every mile
This is survival
You’re the reason they can smile
[Outro]
So walk that stage
Girl
Head high
Clear eyes
Their tired feet
Became your wings to fly
This is survival
But you were always the why