Hard Times in the South

[Verse] Growing up was survival hard times in the South Papa was a coal miner dust in his mouth Mama kept the house clean food was for the lean Love was scarce but dreams were seen [Verse 2] Left home at sixteen nothing left to lose Headed up North small town different hues Worked day and night hands calloused and raw Digging out of poverty breaking every law [Chorus] Hard times in the South can you hear me shout From the coal mines dark to the city lights now Rise above the scars find who you are Hard times in the South but I'm reaching the stars [Bridge] In the still of the night thoughts of home come back Fields and dusty roads life we never had Sweat and tears paved the way memories fade But the fire in my soul will never be swayed [Verse 3] Jobs got tougher strength built strong Moving past the shadows where I belong New life new path the past behind me From the South's grip I’m finally free [Chorus] Hard times in the South can you hear me shout From the coal mines dark to the city lights now Rise above the scars find who you are Hard times in the South but I'm reaching the stars