Intro (spoken/sung) Yeah—paper talk, shadows talk. Count it loud, feel it quiet. Chorus (hook) Paper ghosts, money whisperin' in the dark Stacks talk loud but they can't heal the scars We shine in the night, but the light leave marks Paper ghosts, paper ghosts, tell me who we are Verse 1 Early mornin', block cold, breathe like steam Kids playin' hopscotch where I used to plot my dream I remember pennies on the couch, dreams on layaway Now the safe hums low, winter feel like May Rubber bands sing like church choirs when I load a stack Every blessing come with weight, heavy on my back Used to laugh at rent, now I laugh but count the cost Gold on the wrist, still got names on the lost They applaud when I step out, flashin' like a marquee But they don't see the hollowness behind the jewelry Made it out the gutter, still the gutter got my number Paper ghosts at the table, toastin' to a thunder Chorus (hook) Paper ghosts, money whisperin' in the dark Stacks talk loud but they can't heal the scars We shine in the night, but the light leave marks Paper ghosts, paper ghosts, tell me who we are Verse 2 Late calls, short breath, another funeral plate Mama cry on Sunday, but we argue 'bout the crate I pay for silence, pay for smiles that fade at dawn Bought a mansion with a view—can't find where I belong Friends cut like winter, poker faces, foldin' cold Loyalty a priced ticket in a world gone bold I signed up for the fast lane, brakes was optional Made a million enemies for every ounce of optional Countin' paper over people, that's the steepest toll You get everything but peace, that's the devil's role Cash like confetti, fallin' on a hollow room Paper ghosts in corners, hummin' like a tune Bridge (spoken, reflective) I see the faces in the smoke—young souls I used to know We chase the night for daylight, stackin' shadows row by row Can't bury what you build on sand, watch it sink when waters rise Money warm the hands for minutes, don't warm the eyes Chorus (hook) — Variation Paper ghosts, money whisperin' in the dark Stacks talk loud but they can't stitch the heart We drive fast cars but the roads still scar Paper ghosts, paper ghosts, who you really are? Verse 3 (closing) If I could trade the Rolls for sleep and quiet dreams I'd hand back all the paper, let it leave in streams But we gladiators, taught to fight for every crumb We celebrate the trophies while our youth stay numb So I toast to the ones who never made it past the stoop To the names on the pavement, to the little kids who droop Money got us movin' mountains, but the soil stay the same Paper ghosts hold the truth when you whisper your name I write this with a ledger full of triumph and regret Paper ghosts in the mirror, ain't no forgivin' yet Chorus (final) Paper ghosts, money whisperin' in the dark Stacks talk loud but they can't heal the scars Porque music See you when I see you Otro