Still I Smile

[Verse 1]
They took the keys
To the house I built
Scratched my name
Off the little they gave me
Phone going dark
On the first of the month
Every bill feels
Like it’s tryna break me
Friends go quiet
When the storm hits close
Got laid off
With a two-line letter
Mama asking
“Baby
You okay?”
I say
“Honestly?
I’ve been better”
[Chorus]
But still I smile
Yeah
I still smile
Got these empty hands raised
Like a child
You can strip my crown
Take the things I’ve tried
But I won’t bow down
’cause God’s on my side
I lost what I worked for
Lost all my pride
But I still smile
’cause God’s on my side (on my side)
[Verse 2]
I’ve been counting scars
Like they’re pay stubs now
Every loss got
A lesson inside it
Tears on the wheel
In the parking lot
Talking to the sky
Like I’m tired of fighting
“Lord
If You’re here
I need You close”
Heart on the floor
But it’s still beating
Felt that peace
In the middle of the mess
Like He pulled up a chair
Said
“Keep breathing”
[Chorus]
So I still smile
Yeah
I still smile
Got these empty hands raised
Like a child
You can strip my crown
Take the things I’ve tried
But I won’t bow down
’cause God’s on my side
I lost what I worked for
Lost all my pride
But I still smile
’cause God’s on my side (on my side)
[Bridge]
Take my plans
Take my trophies
Take my name
Off the door
You can have it (have it)
But You can’t touch
What You put in my soul
That hope
That fire
You planted (oh)
So when I’m standing
In the ruins of the dream
I’ll lift my voice
Til my fear lets go of me
If all I’ve got
Is Your hand in mine
That’s enough
That’s enough for this life
[Chorus]
Yeah
I still smile
I still smile
Got these empty hands raised
Like a child
You can strip my crown
Take the things I’ve tried
But I won’t bow down
’cause God’s on my side
I lost what I worked for
Lost all my pride
But I still smile
’cause God’s on my side
Yeah
I still smile
’cause God’s on my side (hey)
I still smile
’cause God’s on my side

Sparse piano ballad opening into a modern gospel-rap hybrid; male vocals up front with intimate breath, then lifted by warm organ pads, live bass, and a steady, head-nod groove. Verses spoken-sung with confessional grit, chorus fully melodic with stacked harmonies and subtle choir responses. Dynamic arc from quiet resilience to victorious praise, drums blooming in the second chorus and a short, reflective breakdown before the final lift.