Lyrics
Verse 1
Mama was fading in that one-room placeDaddy long gone, empty cupboard spaceShe pulled me close with a shaking handSaid “Girl, this life’s a hard old landYou’re seventeen, pretty as dawnTake this dress and the money I’m pawnGo to the city, keep your head highMake them pay for that fire in your eye”
Chorus
Here’s your one chance, Lily, don’t let me downYou’re gonna shine in that big old townWork that smile, walk that slow walkDon’t you dare look back or talkLily, Lily, rise aboveTurn that hunger into power and love
Verse 2
I learned real quick how the nights unfoldMen with gold watches and stories untoldFrom cold small rooms to suites up highI played their game and I learned to flyDiamonds now shine and the rent is paidMama’s last words still cut through the shade
Chorus
Here’s your one chance, Lily, don’t let me downYou’re gonna shine in that big old townWork that smile, walk that slow walkDon’t you dare look back or talkLily, Lily, rise aboveTurn that hunger into power and love
Bridge
Some call it shame, some call it sinI call it surviving and I always winBought that house on the hill she never sawStill hear her voice when the night gets raw
Final Chorus
Here’s your one chance, Lily, don’t let me downYou’re gonna shine in that big old townWork that smile, walk that slow walkDon’t you dare look back or talkLily, Lily, rise aboveTurn that hunger into power and love