First Paycheck Feeling

Lyrics

Envelope in my hand and my fingers are shaking
Name on the front, and it's mine, no faking
Two weeks of mornings, aprons and sweat
Mopping up the floor till the floor was set
Walked to the window, slid the paper through
Teller said congrats and I felt it too
Number on the screen, it ain't big but it's mine
Every single digit got a shine

That first paycheck feeling, oh it hits different
Pocket full of proof that my hands were gifted
First paycheck feeling, standing ten feet tall
Earned it with my own two hands, that's all

Bought mama flowers from the corner stand
Little brother's sneakers in my other hand
Left a little something in the savings jar
Counted it twice just to know where we are
Boss shook my hand and said see you Monday
Told him I'll be early, I'll be there on Sunday
Every dollar tells me what I'm capable of
Built from the ground with a little bit of love

That first paycheck feeling, oh it hits different
Pocket full of proof that my hands were gifted
First paycheck feeling, standing ten feet tall
Earned it with my own two hands, that's all

Pops took a picture when I held it up high
Said you did it, son, and he looked away to dry
Eyes that were proud, hands that were tired
Passing down the fire that his own work fired
Now I know the weight of a day well spent
Know why he never complained about rent
So here is my promise to the kid I used to be
Keep on building, keep on moving, keep it free

Count it slow, count it slow
Every dollar taught me how to grow
Count it slow, count it slow
Gratitude is the best thing I know

That first paycheck feeling, oh it hits different
Pocket full of proof that my hands were gifted
First paycheck feeling, standing ten feet tall
Earned it with my own two hands, that's all

First paycheck, first paycheck
Mine, all mine, and I earned it