[Verse 1] I came up where the stairwell shook Two flights up, one thin hook Mama said, "Keep that head up straight" I kept my dream in a paper plate Bus rides and a cracked-up phone Small-town fears in a brick home But I could see that glassblock sky Big enough for me to try They said, "Girl, don’t chase that glow" I said, "Watch me, watch me go" Shoes worn down, still I stride Hard times made a hard-back spine [Pre-Chorus] Every block got a story here Every scar got a souvenir I was broke, but I wasn't done Had a whole new name in my lungs [Chorus] City dreams, I’m still here City dreams, loud and clear I climbed out, I made room City dreams, I bloom, I bloom City dreams, say my name City dreams, through the rain I been low, now I rise City dreams in my eyes [Verse 2] Corner store lights on the wet sidewalk Old men talk while the young ones walk Sirens cut through the dinner air I learned hope from the way they stare Bills in stacks on the landlord's desk But I had fire in my chest One hand full of late-night doubt One hand open, pulling out Gold from the grit, heat from pain A little loss, then a little gain I made peace with the ugly days Then I turned that hurt into praise [Pre-Chorus] Every setback taught me where To put my faith and my feet right there I was bruised, but I wasn't sunk I had a whole new beat in my blood [Chorus] City dreams, I’m still here City dreams, loud and clear I climbed out, I made room City dreams, I bloom, I bloom City dreams, say my name City dreams, through the rain I been low, now I rise City dreams in my eyes [Bridge] Now the windows know my face Now I move in my own pace No more folding just to fit I was built for more than this [Chorus] City dreams, I’m still here City dreams, loud and clear I climbed out, I made room City dreams, I bloom, I bloom City dreams, say my name City dreams, through the rain I been low, now I rise City dreams in my eyes