Why Can’t I Be Here?

(Verse 1)

I was born on this street, played in this yard

Learned to dream beneath these stars

I pledged the flag, I knew the song

But now they say I don’t belong

They came at dawn, no warning call

Tore my name off the city wall

Said I’m a ghost in my own land

Tied my hands, I don’t understand

(Chorus)

Why can’t I be here?

Why am I erased?

I built my life in this place

Why can’t I be here?

Why am I the threat?

When all I’ve done is try to forget

The fear they feed, the lines they draw

The silence carved into the law

Why can’t I be here?

Why can’t I be here at all?

(Verse 2)

My mother’s tears stain the floor

My father’s voice won’t rise no more

My sister hides behind the blinds

Afraid they’ll come for her next time

I paid my dues, I played it straight

Still they shipped me out like freight

No trial, no face, no name

Just a number in their shame

(Bridge)

I am not your scapegoat

I am not your sin

I am not the story

You twist to win

I am flesh, I am breath

I am love, I am death

I am here — or I was

’Til you said I’m not enough

(Final Chorus)

Why can’t I be here?

Why am I erased?

I built my life in this place

Why can’t I be here?

Why am I the threat?

When all I’ve done is try to forget

The fear they feed, the lines they draw

The silence carved into the law

Why can’t I be here?

Why can’t I be here at all?