Ashes and Roots

Verse 1 He walked off the stage in his boots and jeans, Eighteen years and a head full of dreams. Didn’t wait long ‘fore he signed that line, Cal Fire patch and a mountain to climb. Fighting flames where the brave don’t sleep, In the smoke and the ash, he found something deep. Verse 2 His old man drove freight down I-5 south, Used to run the streets with a gold-tooth mouth. But when that boy was born, he dropped that game, Traded hood life for a family name. Now he’s ten years clean with a calloused hand, Still the toughest kind of gentle man. Chorus From the fireline to the highway, From the kitchen to the hallways, They taught him hard love, work tough, stand tall. His mama was just a girl when she gave it all. Three kids later, they made it through— On faith, grit, and barbecue. He says, “I’m a product of pain turned truth— I was raised by ashes and roots.” Verse 3 Got two little brothers and a sister so sweet, Taught ’em how to fish, how to stand on their feet. They all had hand-me-downs and hand-me-ups, But never went hungry, never ran outta love. His mom worked from home, typing dreams in the night, Still made time to tuck 'em in right. Chorus From the fireline to the highway, From the kitchen to the hallways, They taught him hard love, work tough, stand tall. His mama was just a girl when she gave it all. Three kids later, they made it through— On faith, grit, and barbecue. He says, “I’m a product of pain turned truth— I was raised by ashes and roots.” Bridge He don’t take for granted the scars or the smoke, Or the way his daddy’s voice never broke. When he said, “Son, you saved me without even tryin’— Now look at you, out there fightin’ them fires.” From the fireline to the highway, From the past that tried to take 'em sideways, They built a life outta broken and brave, And gave their kids more than just their name. Now he's out there wearin’ red and gold— Carrying stories never told. He says, “I’m a product of pain turned truth— I was raised by ashes and roots.”