Still I Rise

I was the shadow in the corner of the frame

The middle child with a number, not a name

Heard the yelling through the walls like a prayer

But no God came down, no one really cared

Bruised in the body, but worse in the mind

Had to smile through it all, leave the tears behind

Felt like silence was the language I learned best

Just a heartbeat tryin' to beat inside my chest

So don’t take me to church, I’ve been through hell

Raised in fire, but I wear it well

Older now, don’t know if I’m wise

Missed some truths, but I caught the lies

Still I rise — still I rise

Even if I’m still alone tonight

I’m not who I was — I’m who survived

Used to whisper just to feel like I was heard

Spoke in pain, but they twisted every word

Learned to walk with my guard up like skin

Found my strength in the places I've been

I don't pretend I got it all right

Still sleep with the shadows, still flinch at the light

But there's power in knowing your own flame

And peace in never needing to explain

Don’t take me to church, I’ve been through hell

Raised in fire, but I wear it well

Older now, don’t know if I’m wise

Skipped some steps but I’m still alive

Still I rise — still I rise

Even if I’m still alone tonight

I’m not who I was — I’m who survived

There’s no crown, no saving grace

But I found beauty in my face

In every scar, in every tear

I built a voice that they now hear

No need for your church, I’ve seen my hell

And I came back with a story to tell

Older now, no saint, no guide

But I stand strong with my battle cry

Still I rise — still I rise

Even if I’m still alone tonight

I’m not who I was — I’m who survived