I learned early Some things cost more When you give them away.

I grew up choosing weight over ease, Carried my name like a debt to keep. Nothing soft in the way I stand, I paid in silence to stay my man. I watched shortcuts rot from the inside, Saw smiles bend when the price was right. I kept my word when it burned me first, Learned real value don’t come with perks.

They said blend in, smooth it out, Lower your tone, don’t stand out. I never learned how to live that way, I don’t dilute what I came in with.

Still standing straight, even under pressure, Even when holding costs me more than pleasure. No gold can loosen what I speak, I don’t cheapen truth just to land on my feet. I’ve been cut short, I’ve paid my dues, But I kept my core, I didn’t lose. Still standing straight.

I don’t move quiet to make it last, I don’t rewind what the moment asks. I trust my gut, my scars, my burns, I earn my lessons, I don’t return them. They tried to label, tried to tame, Tried to slow me with borrowed shame. But I don’t fight just to prove I’m right, I fight so I don’t rot inside.

They say bend once, nobody sees, Just cut the edge, just find some peace. But peace that asks me to look away Is just another kind of cage.

Still standing straight, when the ground feels thin, When every choice cuts deeper in. No fear, no deal, no borrowed calm Outweighs the weight of who I am. I’ve lost time, I’ve lost walls, But I kept my backbone through it all. Still standing straight.

I didn’t stay this way Because it was easy. I stayed this way Because it was honest.

Still standing straight, jaw locked, eyes clear, I don’t soften steel just to fit in here. No leash, no price, no quiet deal Will ever touch what I hold real. I stand full weight through rise and fall, Still standing straight.

Breathing steady. Same man.