Refresh Collective Presents
2026 Student Showcase Concert Lyrics
14 original songs written and performed by our students.
We're setting the stage for our students to thrive.
Tap any song to follow along with the lyrics ↓
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Hook — Ja'mir
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
```
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get, I get bread, I get
Verse 1 — Ja’mir
Count up money, it stacked to the ceiling
Switched the flow, now they say that I’m different
Doubled back, got ‘em all in they feelings
Is what it is, swear this just the beginning
Dolla signs, Benjamins, all in my pensions
I’m taking off, got no plans, I’m just in it
If you gon’ hate, give me credit, I killed it
A shark in the water, you swim with the fishes
New Lambo, you pulled up in a Civic
Living crazy and reckless my mission
Got a problem, get straight to the business
Don’t do no talking, you made the decision
Automatic make you acrobatic, if the party get lit best believe Imma flip it
Problematic then I give you static, if I see a problem best believe Imma get it
Hook
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get, I get bread, I get
Verse 2 — Gyanna
Everybody just copy me, they look like my echo
Comin’ correct though, look at my life, my love, my city be lovin’ my set though
I’m learnin’ to let go, I’m chasin’ these goals I know I can reach
I’m trying to build me a house on the beach, they yellin’ out “PREACH”
Ain’t no one stoppin’ me, y’all couldn’t hang with me honestly
I’m stackin’ this money in quantities, I promise that I’m an anomaly
This ain’t geometry, everyone try angles
I’m stackin’ up chicken, but this ain’t no Bojangle’s (CHICKEN)
When I’m talkin’, then they listen, now I got all they attention
Hook
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get chickens, I get bread, I get
I get bread, I get, I get bread, I get
Hook
Riding in my lambo every time I get the chance
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Making money moves that my money gonna dance
Suns out beats loud what we gonna do
Whip clean, bag chasin’, how we supposed to lose
Verse 1
I be riding in the city with a car that’s super fast
Speeding through the heavy traffic got me stuck up in a trance
My skill going up, go and call it addition
Buying everything and anything has always been the mission
Like 23, the GOAT, yeah there’s no conversation
I been known for making lots of heat yeah thats my reputation
All this pape upon my bank is just a part of me
I’m starting to think all of the hate is really jealousy
Behind the smoke and mirrors, I keep it a buck fifty
I think they liking my style I’m starting to feel like fifty
50’s what I’m saying but the miles stay a hundred
They always asking for it but I tell them Ion run it
Like Usain Bolt upon this one I’m gonna run the beat
We on a different type of level one the cannot see
All this heat up in this booth, I think they found a glitch
I think verse is finished, done, please bring in the bridge
Hook
Riding in my lambo every time I get the chance
Making money moves that my money gonna dance
Suns out beats loud what we gonna do
Whip clean, bag chasin’, how we supposed to lose
Hook 2
Change the pace
Change the pace
Change the pace
Change the pace
Verse 2
Paperweight upon my wrist, I put my fist up
Jewelry packing, never lacking, keep that chain tucked
You can’t tell nothing, yeah you better shut up
I just heard your newest tape, omg it sucked
Thinking that you better than me, get yo girl took
I know what she want, not you, I read her like a book
Bass line way too crazy, yeah I have yo body shook
This that rick not trues, go and take a second look
Maison Margiela, yeah tabbis keep dragging
Maison Margiela, yeah tabbis keep dragging
I’m way too fly, yeah I’m feeling like Aladdin
I’m way too fly, yeah I’m feeling like Aladdin
Put your girl in rick
Put your girl in rick
Racks blue stitch
Racks blue stitch
Buy your chick new fits
Buy your chick new fits
Imma snatch that -
Copping Kapital, I bought these pieces overseas
Shawty got a waistline, wrap that thing in double C’s
‘Laska boots, no uggs, gotta flex the double B’s
Flex the double B’s, flex the double B’s
Cuddle my wrist yeah I feel like I’m future
Maison my bottoms margiela, the futures
I’m getting rich I just touch the computer
Snatch your girl, on my off day, I’m Bueller
Flex up pape, flex up pape
Flex up pape while I take your girl on dates
Hook
| English | عربي / Arabic |
|---|---|
| When you say you're Syrian, say it out loud! | لما تقول إنك سوري يقول بصوت عالي |
| Kiss the soil of Syria, this earth is precious and proud. | انزين بوست تضرب بسوريا هي تراب غالي |
| Holding my ID in my hand, my head held high, | ماسك الهوية بيدي في رافع راسي |
| Oh Syrian, put your hand in mine, enough of our suffering and cries. | يا سوري حط إيدك بإيدي بكفي مقاسي |
Verse
| English | عربي / Arabic |
|---|---|
| We are fighting to survive, and Damascus stands with us, | نحنا عم نداح والشام صفنا فينا |
| Torn between weeping for herself, and weeping for us. | محتارة تبكي على حلا وتبكي علينا |
| Even if death surrounds us, our spirits won't starve, | لو لو لو الشمر الموت ما بيجوع |
| Thirsty, with no water left, so I started drinking my tears. | عطشان ما في ماي صرت عم بشرب دموع |
| The solution is forbidden, our voices fall on deaf ears, | والحل ممنوع صوت مو مسموع |
| We take one step forward, and ten steps back. | نمشي خطوة قدم 10 بنمشي برجوع |
| A butterfly inside me keeps calling out for Sham (Damascus), it's the breeze that wakes me up whenever I sleep. | فراشة جوا جسمي عم بتنادي شام هي نفس الريشة اللي بتصحيح بكل ما نام |
| Rise and wake from your slumber, Damascus will heal! | قوم أصحى من نومك الشمر راح بالطيب |
| Damascus is meant to rise like the sun, she will never set. | الشام بدها تشرق ما بتغيب |
| Return to how you were, O Damascus, | عودي كما كنت يا دمشق |
| I don't want to die anywhere but in you, out of pure love. | لا أود أن أموت إلا فيك عشق |
| Stand tall and proud again, like Mount Qasioun, | عودي واقفة شامخة مثل قصيون |
| The love inside me is rooted deep, like the branches of the olive tree. | اللي فيني مثل المحبة مثل أقسام الزيتون |
| This is our Damascus, even when times are cruel, | هي الشام شامنا لو بالزمان ضامنا |
| I opened the history books to read the path of our ancestors. | فتحت كتابة شوف أقرأ عن طريق اجدادنا |
| I swear, I don't want to live in a foolish exile, I don't want to chase wealth in a foreign land. | لا أود أن أعيش في الغربة الحمقاء لا أود جمع المال في الغربة الأثرية |
| The scent of jasmine has mixed with blood, | اختلطت رحلة الياسمين مع الدم |
| The tears of the father have mixed with the mother's. | اختلطت دموعا الأب مع الأم |
| If they destroy a building, we will build a rock in its place, | لو هديته نبنى بدالة صخرة بدالة |
| Clear away the ash, and leave the pure ground beneath. | أرض شيل الزفت حطوا بدالها صافي |
| This is holy land, brother — take off your shoes and walk barefoot! | هي أرض طاهرة أخ نعالك وأمشي حافي |
| Whoever lacks dignity, let them come take it from us, and whoever lacks courage, true courage starts with us. | واللي تنقصوا كرامي يجي يأخذها من عندنا واللي بتن رجول الرجولة بتن عنا |
| The betrayal is out in the open — the Syrian people united, all 23 million of us. | الغدر مفتوح لما بلش الكون يتحدى الشعب السوري يتحدد 23,000,000 |
| The nations of the world turned against us everywhere, | تكبت علينا الأم في كل مكان |
| Shame on the faces of the rulers! | استخرج على وجوه الحكام |
| The "Friends of Syria" turned out to be hypocrites, | أصدقاء سوريا صاروا أصدقاءنا منافقين |
| Friends who only agreed to devour the Syrian people. | أصدقاء على أكل الشعب السوري متفقين |
| They write on their borders: "Syrians Not Allowed." | ومن تحروا بيكتبوا على الحدود يمنع دخول السوريين |
| But what hurts the most is a Muslim blowing himself up among Muslims. | واللي يقهر اكثر لما مسلم حاله فجر بين المسلمين مع صرخة الله أكبر |
| Brainwashing has taken over, the Arabs are lost in illusions. | غسيل دماغ صار على العرب مفتون شفت لوحة كاتب داعش على مقلوب |
| From Damascus to every Arab nation, | من دمشق إلى كل دولة عربية |
| To anyone who ever tried to humiliate a Syrian: | لكل إنسان حاول لو مرة يزل السورية |
| Syria is the mother of the world, the center of the earth, | سورية أم الدنيا ومن كاز الكرة الأرضية |
| Syria is protected by the Divine! | سوريا ما في فيها ربانية |
| I am infatuated with you, I carry your burdens, my name is forever tied to yours! | أنا متيم فيك أنا ياللي حامل همك أنا ياللي اسمي صار مرتبط باسمك ايه |
| Shouting from America to Chile — raise the Syrian flag! | من صارخة أمريكا وتشيلي من عيدها من بيت الأبيض شوبا وحط عالم الأمريكي ورفع العلم السوري |
| We drove the whole world mad — leave Syria alone! | أحلامك كبيرة ما احنا جننا العالم كله راح يحتل الدنيا إذا عن سوريا ما بتحل ايه |
| If you don't leave Syria alone, hear me! | إذا عن سوريا ما بتحل له يابا |
Hook
| English | عربي / Arabic |
|---|---|
| So when you say you're Syrian, say it out loud! Kiss the soil of Syria, this earth is precious and proud. Holding my ID in my hand, my head held high, | لما تقول إنك سوري قولها بصوت عالي زي البست سورية هي تراب غالي ماسك الهبيدي فيه رافع راسي بكفي مقاسي |
| Because I am from Damascus, the Golan is in my blood, and that is my identity! | أحلا كبيرة ما نحنا جننا العالم كلنا ورحنا رحنا للدنيا إذا عن سوريا ما بتحل بس رخص صوت وبأمر بهتي خلان بالشام جولاني مكتوبة هويتي إيه |
Hook
Hold on, what, man I'm that girl for real
```
Who said you gotta cuss in drill
When I pop out I be making mills
Hold on, what, man I’m so for real
15, I been paying them bills
Like, shorty I ain’t never been chill
Hold on, what, take it back a lil bit
Yeah I know I’m still a youngin, but I’m gon’ make it and sum
Yeah I told y’all slide out and we gon’ pop out with them tricks
Got y’all hating on the side, y’all be talking with them cliques
Hold on
Verse
Sike, y’all know I’m big mama
Real classy, I don’t come with the drama
When I step in, y’all feel my aura
Walk in the spot, I’m turning them heads
Don’t let em look cuz he might get took
Might have yo man spending them bands
Hook 2
Hold on, what, man I’m that girl for real
Who said you gotta cuss in drill
When I pop out I be making mills
Hold on, what, man I’m so for real
15, I been paying them bills
Like, shorty I ain’t never been chill
Hold on
Verse 2
Boss type of chick, I don’t move out of pocket
Talked slick once, now he calling me a goddess
Pretty like P, telling Natalie to stop it
Put me on baddies like I’m the main topic
Always first pick, I ain’t never been a option
Broke boy talking, but he know he can’t top it
Money real long and that bag look exotic
Hook 2
Hold on, what, man I’m that girl for real
Who said you gotta cuss in drill
When I pop out I be making mills
Hold on, what, man I’m so for real
15, I been paying them bills
Like, shorty I ain’t never been chill
Hold on
Hook
My life is sweet, my life is great
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Cuz I got freedom now, so don’t even try me
I have so much energy right now in my body
I feel like I’m going out to a big party
I have no control, so I’m pullin’ up a fool
No need to call the Paw Patrol, no, no
Cuz my life is sweet, so lit it
Cuz my life is great, so get it
Verse 1
I have so much freedom right now, that’s right
I have so much great things right now, alright
I’m so lit I could party all night, come on
Cuz ya boy Nick is finally free! Let’s go!
Hook
My life is sweet, my life is great
Cuz I got freedom now, so don’t even try me
I have so much energy right now in my body
I feel like I’m going out to a big party
I have no control, so I’m pullin’ up a fool
No need to call the Paw Patrol, no, no
Cuz my life is sweet, so lit it
Cuz my life is great, so get it
Verse 2
It’s a free world now, so get up and jump
I have a new life now, I’m so pumped
No longer sitting there looking very lump
In my old life, I was just on the big stump
It’s good to be free from all the madness
So far, so good, it’s going great
It’s good to have my own life now as always
I’m finally out from my own worse days
Hook
My life is sweet, my life is great
Cuz I got freedom now, so don’t even try me
I have so much energy right now in my body
I feel like I’m going out to a big party
I have no control, so I’m pullin’ up a fool
No need to call the Paw Patrol, no, no
Cuz my life is sweet, so lit it
Cuz my life is great, so get it
Outro
My life is so sweet, so sweet
My life is so sweet, so sweet
Hook — Mekhi
Bound to grow, bound to get this dough
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Bound to hit my goals
Bound to hold my focus, bound to keep on goin’
Bound to grow, bound to grow, I said we bound to grow
I been chasin’ dreams since I was on my own way down below
Verse 1 — Cam’aurie
I’m bound to grow, tryna get this pape, but I been on my own
Lately everybody tryna talk, but they ain’t got no throne
I might even overflow, but I’ll never overthrow
If you know my real name, you might be my bro
Lowkey with the movement, only fam really see that though
Stackin’ every dollar, turnt that hustle into dough
Black skin, black pressure, made a kingdom from the cold
Everybody know my name, so really I ain’t on my own
Verse 2 — Kamryn
Bound to grow, my mama started from the bottom where them lights was low
18 raising me, now I’m 18 racking up my dough
Learned from an early age you can’t depend on nobody but your own hope
Never had no struggle, always had the muscle, never missed a meal
Steady running it up all in them fields
They ain’t never had your back, but you know I always kept it real
they keep asking how u do it lil kam but ill tell when i hit that mill
they keep asking how u do it lil kam but ill tell when i hit that mill
Hook
Bound to grow, bound to get this dough
Bound to hit my goals
Bound to hold my focus, bound to keep on goin’
Bound to grow, bound to grow, I said we bound to grow
I been chasin’ dreams since I was on my own way down below
Verse 3 — Nick
Gotta keep my rollie going, gotta keep my focus growing
I can’t stop my focus yet, cause I’m trying to elevate
To the top of the world so everybody can know me
Cause I’m bound to roll to be a future hall of famer
It’s time to elevate, time to elevate, time to elevate, time to elevate
It’s time to elevate, time to elevate
Cause I’m bound to roll to be a future hall of famer
Verse 4 — Ailayah
Back to school, back to motion
In that mode, I’m really chosen
Bound to rise to chase my dreams
Go to school to get them green
Back to school, she act a fool
Dress in blue, don’t act confused
I come in heat, but keep me cool
Bound to live life comfortable
Verse 5 — DeShannon
You gotta lead your folks
Give em motivation on what they need to know
You seen the poor, sleepin’ on the bench, ain’t got nowhere to go
It’s sad to see, leave it up to me, I’ve seen a better dream
Clean the parks, when you be a leader, that’s when distance come
They hate the truth, really it’s just the actions from the inner you
Ahead of you, I don’t want the past to be the end of you
You rebuild, your pockets refill, them signs of growth
Don’t mind startin’ over as long as we gettin’ more
Verse 6 — Johnathon
I was stuck in the mud, now I’m bound to grow
Pressure on my back made the diamond’s soul
Cold nights, no help, had to grind alone
Every loss is a lesson, now my time is close
The doubted the vision from the bottom floor to the highest road
Can’t block my path, yeah I’m bound to grow
Yeah I’m bound to grow, yeah I’m bound to grow
On my DJ Khaled stuff, yeah I’m bound to grow
Hook
Bound to grow, bound to get this dough
Bound to hit my goals
Bound to hold my focus, bound to keep on goin’
Bound to grow, bound to grow, I said we bound to grow
I been chasin’ dreams since I was on my own way down below
Verse 7 — Julius
I can’t see you with the tints, water was dirty just like Flint
Tryna get my spirit rich, like a baby throwing fits
Dreams a dog, they untamed, ten toes on me unchanged
Demons back up, need space, while Big stepping, lost a lace
I got things to do, you won’t ever catch me in a slouch
Keep your cup filling up, even if it’s just an ounce
Like a tiger, every dream I want, believe I’m gonna pounce
Opposition like to talk, but it’s always from the couch
Verse 8 — Israa
| English | عربي / Arabic |
|---|---|
| You destroyed a house, we will build a tent | هديتوا بيت عمار نخيمه |
| You poured down rain, we offered a cloud | نزلته مطر هدينا غيمة |
| And we brought the world together | واحنا عملنا الدنيا لمة |
| While human life no longer has value | والبشر ما عاد لها قيمة |
| I am breaking through solid rock | عم بأحلف صخر بمبي |
| Tying my dream to a foolish world | رابط حلمي بعالم غبي |
| Seeing my mind mature while I am just a boy | شايف عقلي وأنا صبي |
| Waiting for my demands to be met | ناطرين يتحقق مطلبي |
| We reached the dream that I built | وصلنا حلم اللي بنيته |
| Carried on my shoulders, I haven’t let it drop | على كتفي أنا لم ألقي |
| Where is the justice? I couldn’t find it | وين العدل ما لقيته |
| I have been a son of the camp for years | أنا ابن مخيم من سنين |
| Searching for a land to empower me — I erase my history and live on, none of you mean a thing to me | ابحث عن أردن تقويني في عروبة باتت تؤذيني احذف تاريخي وأحيى لا أحد فيكم يعنيني |
Verse 9 — Jonah
I had to build up mental toughness, keep it real, was on my own
I been fightin’ since a youngin’ when that rubber hit that road, I steady rolled
Couldn’t give up all my goals ‘cause they was all I’ve ever known
Now my back’s full of ashes from the bridges I let go go go go
Stay on the low, no, no more
My walls is fortified, it’s more than I, I Mordecai my foes
Now my mortal mind can sorta find why they forsaken my foresight
So I hold fast to the core might, can’t quit now, no I can’t fold
Been a dreamer since a technicolor coat
And I will be ‘til the day that reaper set me out to float
I can’t ride nobody’s wave and if I did I’d rock the boat
Take a look out at my legacy, you’ll see I’m bleeding hope
Hook
Bound to grow, bound to get this dough
Bound to hit my goals
Bound to hold my focus, bound to keep on goin’
Bound to grow, bound to grow, I said we bound to grow
I been chasin’ dreams since I was on my own way down below
Hook 1 — Terrell
We been runaways, like a hundred times, trying to put this rap stuff in the Halo
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Stop playing with us cuz we traumatized, unless you wanna get KO’d
This how it’s gon’ go, a man with a microphone gon’ get people attention
“Now I welcome you JJ & TJay, they a Diamond that’s whole, don’t forget it!”
Let’s rewind, you know I’m the greatest, ain’t ‘26 yet, but I feel like we made it
JJ please, just please
Give me ideas, cuz I feel like they wasting my time with these statements
Most of the time, I just feel like they hating
While we ain’t the hottest, I’m getting impatient
People said they believe in us, but can’t spare us some greatness
Verse 1 — Terrell
I’m climbing the ladder up, this is a pattern
I can name people that we should be faster than
Ahead of my class, I guess they wasn’t fast enough
At the top, capacity getting cut
Aye, look, sorry to interrupt, but this book don’t relate to us getting up
JJ agreed, now the teacher is sick of us
Don’t get mad if you limping when you get up
Hook 2 — Terrell
TJay & Shredda, this legacy is a letter
JJ, fix your posture, we gotta look good for the pics
Alright, you can quit
Verse 2 — Johnathan
Even though I’m at the bottom, I still be the best at what I’m gon’ do
Born from a king with a royalty hand
Only one missing, cuz she gotta choose
Making my bread from the bottom
Now they calling me Jimmy, I’m staying at John’s
They catching back with me
Now they wanna catch back with a pat back
But they wasn’t there in my past life
I gotta do better, I’m locked in the cellar
Open the cage, I got something to prove
You a distraction like clowns in them classes
Let you around me, I know Imma lose
I don’t wanna lose, they judging me off of decisions, but they wouldn’t walk in my shoes Just focus on you, they hating me with precision, but little they know they confused
Hey, they doubting me now, but we gonna be on the news
Diamonds gon’ start up in twos, hey
Hook 3 — Johnathan & Terrell
TJay and Shredda, this legacy is a letter
Wait, the only thing that’s a let up is this generation getting better, aye
Shredda & TJay, we the chosen ones, do you understand
I’ve been crying out loud for Pete’s sake, just a diamond that will never break again
TJay & Shredda, this legacy is a letter
JJ, fix your posture, we gotta look good for the pics
Alright, you can quit
We a diamond that will never break again, oh
We a diamond that will never break again, oh, JJ talk to me
Bridge — Johnathan & Terrell
Hey TJay
What up?
Why they lookin at us rough?
Well I don’t know if it’s crazy, but I think it’s crazy that they don’t want us to blow up
Oh, I get it
What?
They just wanna break our image
So?
Wait, double D, I ain’t finish, takin’ our flaws and exposing the blemish
Hook 4 — Johnathan & Terrell
So that’s why we’ve been runaways for a hundred times, tryna but this rap stuff in a halo
That’s right, stop playing with us cuz we traumatized, unless you wanna get KO’d This how its gon roll, no man or a microphone goin’ back to the past for a mission now
“JJ & TJay, we a Diamond that’s whole, don’t forget it!”
Let’s rewind, yeah, you know I’m the greatest, ain’t 26’ yet, but I feel like we made it
TJay please, just please
Give me ideas, cuz I feel like they wastin’ my time with these statements
Most of the time, I just feel like they hating
While we ain’t the hottest, I’m getting impatient
People said they believe in us, but can’t spare us some greatness
Outro
We been runaways like a hundred times
Stop playing with us, cuz we traumatized
JJ talk to me
Hook 5 — Johnathan & Terrell
TJay & Shredda, this legacy is a letter
JJ, fix your posture, we gotta look good for the pics
Alright, you can quit
We a diamond that will never break again, oh
We a diamond that will never break again, oh, JJ talk to me
Hook — Terrell & John
Mess around, be my 13th reason
```
Had a dream that I lost it all, then I woke up a demon
I got bit by a cobra, I think I’m bleeding
Now I’m heavily breathing, but I still ain’t learn my lesson
But I’m under progression and still learning lessons and making them blessings
I been wanting to quit ever since year 11, I fell out of love with my presence
I don’t know what I been told, but the pain won’t go, the pain won’t go
Verse 1 — John
I been hurtin’ since the 5th grade
Starting giving me fades and throwin’ me shade, I was afraid
They was gouging out my heart, I was betrayed
Feel like I was stabbed with a blade, I need first aid
I swear death becomes you
Imma put a foot up on your neck until that death becomes you
I fall so deep into the depths, I swear that death becomes you
In that mirror staring back, you see that death becomes you
Ain’t no acronym to death, so here’s my last words to my past self
I never seen you as the enemy
Just a shattered past reflecting back at me, a fragile remedy
I was 14, didn’t even know what a door means
I made hard headed opportunities
I just want to become the best of me
Hook
Mess around, be my 13th reason
Had a dream that I lost it all, then I woke up a demon
I got bit by a cobra, I think I’m bleeding
Now I’m heavily breathing, but I still ain’t learn my lesson
But I’m under progression and still learning lessons and making them blessings
I been wanting to quit ever since year 11, I fell out of love with my presence
I don’t know what I been told, but the pain won’t go, the pain won’t go
Verse 2 — Terrell
When I write my songs, I feel like the W in write
I just feel like it’s better without it
Know the pain won’t go, cuz the devil just eat me alive when I try to do better
Like a melophone, I ain’t ever have no time for highs and lows
I just feel like my energy routing
Wrote God a letter, but I took out the W E, now it’s rotting my flesh up
Love betrayed me, I think I’m done
I’m getting typo crazy, crying out my lungs
Act like the pain won’t phase me, I smile just because
Now I’m married to the depths, and the devil callin’ me Hon
Don’t call me dumb, I just paid my dues
I don’t really even care for my outfit
Lot of people try to say it’s my fault, I ain’t had no one to care about it
So when I write my deuce, they say “I got you”
Not sayin’ I tried to lose, but I had to choose
Hook
Mess around, be my 13th reason
Had a dream that I lost it all, then I woke up a demon
I got bit by a cobra, I think I’m bleeding
Now I’m heavily breathing, but I still ain’t learn my lesson
But I’m under progression and still learning lessons and making them blessings
I been wanting to quit ever since year 11, I fell out of love with my presence
I don’t know what I been told, but the pain won’t go, the pain won’t go
Intro
Slowly, slowly, keep me closely
```
Please don’t hold me
You might find it difficult
And I’m trying to get used to you
Hook
I’ve seen too much, I’ve lost it all
Got no one left, it’s all my fault
So I gotta know will you catch me
When I fall, when I fall
Verse 1 — Terrell
I promised I’d hide my mouth if you thought I would lose my temper
Faced my thoughts, but as time moved on, everybody started changin’ my list up
When I hit that stage at West Side, it fired up my pistons
Lost one, I was claimed to be traumatized, lost another, I promise that I won’t
Conscience talk to me about my past
I promise that I don’t wanna talk about nothing
Resulting my tears connecting with my phone
Told the public it’s just my allergies
My words naturally flowing just like a melody
Ignore the pain, but it came right back to me
I tell everyone I’m fine but actually I asked my mom for a therapist
Cuz I been going through some things that I can’t escape
Medicine, dissolve my melanin
Anything to blow that pain away
Don’t waste your time, don’t lose your mind
Try to tell myself just keep your head up through the hard times
I faced it all, hope they see it when I ball
Tryna pass through my losses, I’ll leave it up to him
God’s plan was a mission for me to understand
Sometimes I wish I still had Granny in my hands, cuz I
Hook
I’ve seen too much, I’ve lost it all
Got no one left, it’s all my fault
So I gotta know will you catch me
When I fall, when I fall
Verse 2 — Kayla
I’m afraid to let you hold me
Cuz what if you walk away
And I’m left here to wonder
What I could have done to make you stay
You tell me that you’re here now
And no matter what, I’m safe
But the storm is all around, lightning cracks and thunder sounds
And I’m starting to lose my faith
I’ve been let down before, will this be any different?
You say that I’m Yours, but it’s hard to believe it
When everyone else turns around and they leave
And I’m still here alone with the pieces of me left
But maybe I can trust You, maybe one more time
I’ll open up my heart again, and maybe I will find
A love that is patient, humble, and kind
A love that stays around and never says goodbye
Outro
Slowly, slowly, keep me closely
Please don’t hold me
You might find it difficult
And I’m trying to get used to you
Slowly, slowly, keep me closely
Please don’t hold me
You might find it difficult
And I’m trying to get used to you
Hook — Jonah
No one get left behind, hope's what we hope to find (HUDDLE UP)
```
Every goal defined, in every moment to shine (HUDDLE UP)
Fear no longer reside, makin’ the most of time (HUDDLE UP)
Cause we are no longer divided, this is the hill that we climb
Verse — Lee
In my class, I’ll look ‘em in the eyes, trust is emphasized
When I’m Teaching I’m listening, so slow-down on the tempo side
In a safe and mindful place, man, transformation is probable
I’m watching it happen and backing em up to apple S, it’s logical
Student led projects, yeah, remix how they’re educated,
Huddle up in the booth, where the sound waves are the only thing isolated
Strength in numbers, we defend us, uh, pressure bringing new perspective
Then they catch a spark, realize who they are, rocking the mic with Refresh Collective.
Verse — Kayla
Huddle up, gather ‘round
Time is now, stand your ground
Change the world, save a life
Take what you learned, and be the light
Lockin’ arms, side by side
Don’t go alone, you won’t survive
You are love personified
Listen in, do you hear the cry?
They need us now more than ever
If we want the world to get better
We gotta get out of our comfort zone, a diamond is born from the pressure
I will not burn when I walk through the fire because I lean on the One who is higher
I wanna be who my students require
Leave a legacy and live to inspire
Verse — Julius
His name was Mr. Carter, he was not a problem starter
But the block he’s from is harder than a suburb filled with chargers
You can’t save em with your buckets, man that old system is rusted
All his life he heard the ruckus, IQ high he just needs some loving
Carter never heard “I believe in you,” Carter always heard “like your father, oof”
Carter had a room without a roof, Carter like a chicken in a coupe
Test don’t feed his soul, they just hit the system goals
Santa was giving Carter coal, when his gifts were at the wrong Pole
Verse — Jonah
At the wrong pole position, can’t hope but wishing
My only motive been the hope of switchin’ the code that over our homie’s vision
My students look at me like, “bro, you get it”
If only they knew that I showed and did it
I’ve grown through many a bad decisions
So I’m never judging you then, I look in they eye and I say it again
I’m tellin em huddle up now, ain’t no one is shutting you down
You’ll always be making me proud, no matter what door you go out
But my door is always open, keep it open
I’ll never turn no way, I stand right beside you all
Never crossing out no names
Verse — Doc
We don’t need saving, we need healing, we need the feeling of trust
Crushing the ceiling, breaking walls of division, revealing us
All together on an adventure, energy emanating from the center
Students and teachers all up in the huddle, and anyone who is invited to enter
Making maps of exploration, tracking truth like a treasure
Don’t need a yard stick to measure, we get better under the pressure
We go forth to the ends of the earth, seek and secure all the things that we search
Started in last, but curvin’ in first, serve like a nurse, not the problem, we are the cure
Hook — Ethan
There's no way, yeah, yeah, no way
```
I want you to stay, I want you to stay, yeah
There’s no way, yeah
I want you to stay, I want you to stay
Come here bae
Verse 1 — Ethan
They say a star don’t shine bright, you shine brighter bae
You mad at me because you don’t get your way
I won’t let you leave, I will fight for us
Why you gotta fight us, I want love, not lust
Listen to me, we don’t gotta fuss
We were made for each other, so what about us
So let me explain 2 sides of the plane
We are you, and we are the same
Hook
There’s no way, yeah, yeah, no way
I want you to stay, I want you to stay, yeah
There’s no way, yeah
I want you to stay, I want you to stay
Come here bae
Verse 2 — Akeem
Paris at Chanel, remember them shopping sprees
Turks and Caicos, I was on the beach, I was with you
We too old for these games
Let me know, just don’t leave out the blue
All these read messages and grey in our text messages is because of you
I can’t keep playing childish games, arguments make me insane
I go in the booth and clear my mind, that’s my only way
I love you more than anything, but you say I don’t and just push me away
Back and forth, hours no communication driving me insane
I hit you up, you said don’t call, that was really hurtful
I just stuff my feelings deep inside, it don’t concern you
After all we been through, I thought all I deserve you
You wanna go out with your friends but not your man, that’s hurtful
I go out with the guys, 3AM, you get mad and get hurtful
I can see my feelings don’t matter, I don’t deserve you
Hook
There’s no way, yeah, yeah, no way
I want you to stay, I want you to stay, yeah
There’s no way, yeah
I want you to stay, I want you to stay
Come here bae
Hook
Cause you weren't stronger
```
You were always a monster
Verse
I told myself I’d be defiant, ended up staying silent
For three months, let you control me, it was killin’ me slowly
Your words weren’t a reality, changin’ my mentality
I didn’t have capacity to see what you had done to me
I cried myself to sleep that night, wish I had the nerve to fight
I fell for all of your lies ‘cause I thought my family would die
Kept all your words inside, all I want to do is hide
I found the nerve to speak, you cannot call me weak
You smile like you’re harmless, your touch like darkness
Told me to stay silent to keep me on a harness
Feeling empty inside, I’m just tryna survive
I’m pretending i’m fine, while fear eats me alive
I’ll speak the truth that sets me free, it heals the parts that you can’t see
I won’t let the silence be, now I’ll build a better me
Thought you left a heart of glass, but I’ll never let you pass
And just in case you ask, this won’t be my last
Hook
Cause you weren’t stronger
You were always a monster
Outro
I’m learning to stand and fight
Bringing my secrets into light
I see you for what you are inside
Taking back what you tried to hide
Verse
Growin' up I had them rap dreams, tried to push past my limits
```
Thinking back when I just listened to J. Cole and Biggie
Tryna push a message, can’t stand the reflection in that mirror
On my knees praying to God that the skies gone get clearer
Growing up ain’t have no father, always stuck up in my head
Isolated in my room, couldn’t get outta bed
Reminiscing ‘bout the times I held a gun up to my head
Thinking what would get way better if I was better off dead
Till I met a man told me suicide was not for you young man
Just keep holding on and pray to God, it’s gonna get good young man
Stuff ain’t sweet in life, but you ain’t gotta have that gun in hand
Jus stay on yo path and keep yo focus, gonna be cool lil man
Then I got into that rap game, money ain’t stackin’ up
Had a brother and some teachers who came in and built me up
Keep on locking in and life gone get sweeter than butter cups
Cause for a black man, if you got God in yo life, you good enough
Always thinking ‘bout the trouble, trials, and tribulation
My life started in the attic and ended up in the basement
Always closing caskets, getting tired of seeing them cold faces
Looking down upon myself, think ‘bout the times I could’ve made it
Thinking bout my younger gen always endin’ up in a hearse
Always wanna run the street instead of sitting down in a church
Some of y’all could’ve had them riches or ended up being a nurse
But instead you on that concrete or six feet in the dirt
This a letter to my future self, I know you doin better now
I know you gotta house up on the hills and got that cheddar now
Gun violence was a constant issue on that block you been around
But just go back in time it’s ‘bout time to flip that’s switch around
I’m tryna send a message no st-st-studder or stammering
I’m locking in on life, keeping my focus like a camera man
It shouldn’t take a casket to see you that need some hesitance or reverence
You blow that gun again then it’s your reckoning
We died more chasing more dreams, we slide like an OG
The Nile like the river we stretching to chase some more green
This pride don’t approach me, these people they can’t hold me
The records wanna signing, but homie they cannot own me
This a whisper from the enemy, the devil up on my ear
I’m keeping up the weight, but I’m still pressing down just like a chair
Moving like a harbinger, I’m reaping all my benefits
I’m thankful for my teachers and my brothers, cause they heaven sent
This a letter to the future, this a letter to the future
Brodie steady poppin pills and playing hero but cannot improve
Do good for yourself, cause there’s nothing that these streets can do for you
Got real deep in that water, I’m drowning out just like a swimming pool
Take two to make a team, work for someone who gon’ work for you
You play that devil talkin’, but you messin’ with your life for real
These people mess you up and leave you hurt just like some Benadryl
You think that they your friends, come on lil homie, let’s be for real
Lil homie save your life, chase that work instead of chasin’ pills
I understand your pain and being born covered in rigid edges
It keep on comin’ back to back and blow just like a Mac 11
I know that you in pain, come on Johnny, you ain’t gotta test it
But it is not a game, treat your life just like a lethal weapon
People gon’ mess with you and try to put you in the dirt
If you get to them riches, they gon’ wanna put you in a hearse
But brodie, you ain’t sweet, they did you bad so you just do them worse, aye
But growin’ up I had them rap dreams, tried to push past my limits
Thinking back when I just listened to J. Cole and Biggie
Tryna push a message, can’t stand the reflection in that mirror
On my knees praying to God that the skies gone get clearer
Growing up ain’t have no father, always stuck up in my head
Isolated in my room, couldn’t get outta bed
Reminiscing ‘bout the times I held a gun up to my head
Thinking what would get way better if I was better off dead
This a letter to the future, this a letter to the future
Sometimes in life, you just gotta chase a dream
Droppin’ what you want so you can get just what you need
Hook
Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey olé olé
Verse 1 — Brian
Shorty in the back of the room, she got her nails done
```
I’m just tryna cook in the booth with Mr. Frozone
Cuz the first first date I was taking my game and she was with it
Had her smiling when the second one came, she catchin’ feelings
She like “no way,” she a diva, she love drama
But when it come to people you know ion care ‘bout drama
She like drama this, drama that, all I’m hearing is yap
Always callin’ my phone to tell me this or that
I came for food and that lady just mad, yeah
She tried to step up so I had to step back
She gettin’ mad cuz I won’t hold her bag
And her dad lookin’ glad cuz I’m not moving fast
I came to the party to eat and to have fun
She tried to step up and claim she a bad one
She said she tea but she really not tea
She just really hungry, yeah that girl for the streets
She a man playa, that’s what that girl really is
Man she really a demon, don’t let her play you, twin
She’ll be havin’ you cheesin’ thinkin’ you gon win
Takin’ pics for the season, then drop you like a pin
She a man playa, that’s what that girl really is
Man she really a demon don’t let her play you, twin
She’ll be cleanin’ ya dishes and cookin’ for you, twin
She’ll be playing ya feelings and treat you like you’re mid
Hook
Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey olé olé
Verse 2 — Evan
Hoppin’ in a plane, hopin’ it don’t really crash out
And my baby, she’s a baddie, and she really lash out
Hold up, stop the beat, she woke up mad at me
Had to book her first class just to put her back to sleep
Republic or Dominican, no, I want Cuban
Love the way she spice it up when she hear the music
Body’s like Shakira, and you know her body do it
Yeah, and you know her body do it
Hear all the drums as they bangin
If you hear what I’m sayin, then move at an angle
You dance with your girl, she look good in a halo
Lift her in the air, now she looks like an angel
But I’m from the East Coast, love me a little bitty
Born in the South Pole, and she know she look pretty
Eyes glitter in gold, yeah I know
But she in the back with all black and no contact
On my body but she’s not an object
She said that I’m different, I guess I just love that
On a drive, and we pushin no Scat Pack
Stackin’ up muscle, we built like a six pack
Switch up the language, don’t think that I get that
Got me a cup and just told me to sit back, sit back, yeah
Hook
Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey olé olé
Verse 3 — Johnathan
I’m a trench kid, baby, I don’t do the romance
But the way you got me movin’ got me thinkin’ ‘bout a slow dance.
Nah—I’m playin’, let’s just jerk to the rhythm
Got a hollow in the clip, but it’s love that I’m givin’.
Back out, back out, let the beat breathe
You the only one I want, you don’t ever gotta leave.
I’m a drill star, baby, keep the toolie in the denim
But your body like a drug and I’m high off the venom
And I’m not a racist, I love all races
Different colors, different stories, still the same faces
Tryna find the light while we stuck in dark places
See her walk in, now my mind rearranges
Caught in the vibe, yeah my heart accelerates it
Step so clean, yeah her walk got graces
Say a lil’ joke, now she laughin’, it’s contagious
Different vibes linkin’ up in the same spaces
Look, you movin’ different, I notice
My hands on your hips and we looking so focused
We in the ball room but I know that you know this
I never fall easy so you gon get ghosted
Look, Danny Phantom I’ma ghost
Republic Dominica I do the most
Bad thing, naughty girl, yeah, I’m finna boast
I’ll get every girl, just wait till this post
Hook
Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey olé olé
Every song in this collection — regardless of whether it opens with bravado, grief, or celebration — arrives at the same place: survival becoming strength. That through-line is remarkable given how different these students' stories are.
Identity & Self-Worth
Song after song leads with self-assertion — but it's not empty posturing. These students are constructing identity in real time, defining themselves on their own terms. A powerful thread throughout is identity tied to origin — the idea that who I am is connected to where I come from, and that connection is worth declaring out loud even when the world has made it a source of pain.
Trauma, Pain & Resilience
Several songs go to very dark places — and they should be honored for that. Students confront loss, abuse, silence, and the weight of environments where violence is constant. These aren't songs about giving up. They're songs about having been at the edge and choosing to speak rather than disappear. That takes more strength than any flex in any song here.
Community & Not Being Left Behind
These students are not writing in isolation — they are writing toward each other. The word "we" shows up as often as "I." They name the people who weren't there and the ones who were. They call out systems that failed them without self-pity. Someone believed in these students before they believed in themselves, and it shows.
Joy & Lightness
Not everything is heavy — and that balance matters. Some of these songs are simply joyful, playful, funny. They show that these students are not defined by their hardship. They have full lives and full emotional ranges, and they bring all of it into the booth.
Spiritual & Moral Depth
Several students reach toward faith at their lowest points — not as performance, but desperate and honest. Alongside that runs a strong moral current: a refusal to pass suffering on, a commitment to lead, a desire to leave something better than what was left for them.
"I'll speak the truth that sets me free, it heals the parts that you can't see / I won't let the silence be, now I'll build a better me."
— Molly, Secrets
This is not a theme that was taught to them. It's what they actually believe, pulled out through the process of writing and recording their own music. The fact that it shows up across students of different ages, backgrounds, and life experiences says something significant about what happens in these classrooms.
These songs would hold up in any context. They are not "good for students." They are just good.
These songs would hold up in any context. They are not "good for students." They are just good.