Track 8 of the album Second Shift · 2022
Cap and Gown on the Bus Ride Home
by Kane Rivers
“Cap in my lap on the number nine bus. Graduation looks different from a window seat.”
boom-bap · boom-bap · hopeful rap · 3:07
Lyrics
Cap in my lap on the number nine bus Gown still creased from the folding rush Diploma in a tube like a trumpet I can't play But I'm blowing it loud anyway Mama cried in row six, Pops held the phone Grandma said I told you so, in a happy tone East side kid with a stage and a name Called out loud, and I'll never be the same Cap and gown on the bus ride home Nobody on here knows what I've shown But I'm sitting tall with the whole block in me Every hand that lifted got me here, you see Cap and gown on the bus ride home Walking through the city like it's mine alone Night classes after the double shift Library till close, that was the gift Ramen for dinner, textbook for a plate Alarm at five and I never was late Teacher said you're sharp, don't waste the spark I wrote it on my wall in the dark Now the driver in the mirror gives a nod Says that's a graduate, and I say thank you, God Cap and gown on the bus ride home Nobody on here knows what I've shown But I'm sitting tall with the whole block in me Every hand that lifted got me here, you see Cap and gown on the bus ride home Walking through the city like it's mine alone Tassel swinging with the bumps in the road Little kid stares at the gold I hold I tell him you can too, just keep it going Seeds in the concrete, look at them growing Next stop is the first of what's next Proud, not perfect, still a little perplexed But I step off the bus and the sun is low Porch light on, and I'm ready to go Not the end, it's a door Not a finish line, it's a floor Build on it, build on it, build on it Cap and gown on the bus ride home Nobody on here knows what I've shown But I'm sitting tall with the whole block in me Every hand that lifted got me here, you see Cap and gown on the bus ride home Walking through the city like it's mine alone