From The Ground Up

Verse 1

Steel toes in the gravel again,

Same early morning, same cold wind.

I started here just lifting what they said,

Keeping my mouth shut, doing instead.

Didn’t know the flow, didn’t know the signs,

Just watched the hands who’d done the time.

Every long day, every honest scar,

Taught me what this place really is and isn’t.

Chorus

I used to ask questions just to get it right,

Now they ask me sometimes, and that feels alright.

Not because I’m better, not because I’m above,

Just because I stayed, showed patience and trust.

I’m still learning the yard, still earning my name,

Still trying to pull my weight every day.

If I’ve made a difference, it’s only because

I kept showing up when it would’ve been easier to stop.

Verse 2

Learned the sound of metal when it’s clean,

Learned when to step back, when to lean in.

Made mistakes, owned them straight,

Didn’t blame the clock, didn’t curse my fate.

Some days run smooth, some days don’t,

Some calls land heavy, some you hope they won’t.

But I do the job the best I can,

Same as the day I first shook hands.

Chorus

I used to ask questions just to get it right,

Now they ask me sometimes, and that feels alright.

Not because I’m better, not because I’m above,

Just because I stayed, showed patience and trust.

I’m still learning the yard, still earning my name,

Still trying to pull my weight every day.

If I’ve made a difference, it’s only because

I kept showing up when it would’ve been easier to stop.

Bridge

I don’t have all the answers, never claimed to,

Just tried to care in the things I do.

Respect grew slow, like it always does,

Built in the quiet, not because.

I still listen more than I speak,

Still know I’ve got more to learn each week.

Chorus

I used to ask questions just to understand,

Now I answer a few when I can lend a hand.

No spotlight moments, no victory speech,

Just doing my part within my reach.

I’m still learning the yard, still walking the line,

Grateful they trust me with some of the weight now.

If I’ve made a difference, it’s only because

I stayed long enough to be useful and honest.

Outro

When the day winds down and the dust clears slow,

I clock out the same as everyone I know.

Same boots off, same tired hands—

Just thankful I earned my place where I stand.