[Verse 1]
They took the easy way
I took the cold stairs
Hand on the rail
Heart full of old scars
Sold their soul for a plate
I kept my own name
Fake love in the room
I can smell both games
I’m not a follower
I don’t move like that
I been left at the bottom
Still I climb right back
They said “stay down”
I heard “get gone”
Stone in my chest
Still my will stay strong
[Pre-Chorus]
I was down in the dirt
Now I’m dusting off
They got stuck in the hurt
I got up and walked
[Chorus]
I’m taking the stairs
I’m taking the stairs
Left at the bottom
Still I’m past them there
I’m taking the stairs
I’m taking the stairs
They sold for a crown
I kept my own dare
[Verse 2]
No handouts here
Just a hard-earned stride
Cold nights taught me
How to eat that pride
They want fake smiles
Want me played and tame
I keep my face set
I don’t share that shame
Every missed shot
Made my aim lock in
Every closed door
Made the climb look thin
Now they look up
Like I changed my face
I just moved through pain
At a cleaner pace
[Pre-Chorus]
I was down in the dirt
Now I’m dusting off
They got stuck in the hurt
I got up and walked
[Chorus]
I’m taking the stairs
I’m taking the stairs
Left at the bottom
Still I’m past them there
I’m taking the stairs
I’m taking the stairs
They sold for a crown
I kept my own dare
[Bridge]
If the road goes high
Then I climb it slow
No borrowed shine
I let my own light show
They can keep that deal
I don’t need their chains
I was born in the low
Now I rise through pain
[Chorus]
I’m taking the stairs
I’m taking the stairs
Left at the bottom
Still I’m past them there
I’m taking the stairs
I’m taking the stairs
They sold for a crown
I kept my own dare