(Verse 1) Raised within those cold gray walls, a youth detained, Forgotten by society, in shadows I remained, Beat down by circumstances, feeling lost and confined, Youth detention's echo, playing tricks on my mind. Gazing out the window, dreams lost in the night, Yearning for a better path, searching for the light, Gangs and drugs called out, promising escape, A desperate plea for belonging, a gamble I would take. (Chorus) Locked up in the system, a story oft untold, A cycle of despair, young hearts trapped in cold, But through the pain and darkness, a flicker still remains, The power to rise above, break free from heavy chains. (Verse 2) Joined the ranks of the streets, with tattoos and pride, Felt a twisted sense of family, in alleys I'd reside, Trading schoolbooks for street codes, a dangerous affair, In a world of quick fixes, reality's glare so unfair. Highs and lows intertwined, chasing fleeting highs, Every high left me empty, caught in a web of lies, But within the chaos, there's a longing to be free, To break the cycle's grip, find my identity. (Chorus) Locked up in the system, a story oft untold, A cycle of despair, young hearts trapped in cold, But through the pain and darkness, a flicker still remains, The power to rise above, break free from heavy chains. (Bridge) Behind the tough exterior, a heart's yearning to be seen, Not just another statistic, a chance to chase a dream, No longer defined by bars, but by strength from deep within, Breaking through the labels, a new chapter to begin. (Verse 3) Fueled by resilience, a spark ignites inside, Choosing love over hate, and hope as my guide, No longer lost in shadows, I'll rise from the past, Shatter every stereotype, free from shadows that were cast. Through the rubble of my choices, I'll build a stronger me, Choose a path of purpose, break the chains and set hearts free, From youth detention's grip, I'll rise and take a stand, Turn the pain into power, show the world where I land. (Chorus) Locked up in the system, a story oft untold, A cycle of despair, young hearts trapped in cold, But through the pain and darkness, a flicker still remains, The power to rise above, break free from heavy chains. (Outro) This rap's a testament, a story of redemption's call, For every lost soul out there, you're never too far to fall, No matter where you've been, or the battles you've been through, There's strength inside to change the tide, and start anew.