To All My 9th Grade Teachers

[Verse 1] You told me to sit still, keep my hands inside the lines But my head was in the clouds, dreaming all the time I passed notes and doodled stars, ignoring every rule Never knew that growing up would echo back to school [Chorus] To all my 9th grade teachers, I finally understand The lessons in your silence, the patience in your hands You tried to shape a rebel, through chalk and reprimands To all my 9th grade teachers, now I take a stand [Verse 2] You warned me 'bout the world, said it wouldn’t play fair I rolled my eyes and whispered, “Like I really care” But now I feel the struggle, and your words come back so clear You weren’t just teaching facts, you were planting what I'd hear [Chorus] To all my 9th grade teachers, I finally understand The kindness in the chaos, the wisdom in your plans You saw a kid with fire, and reached out with both hands To all my 9th grade teachers, now I take a stand [Bridge] Maybe I never said it then, too stubborn to admit But every chalkboard battle now seems like a perfect fit You held the line when I pushed hard, you saw what I could be Now I teach myself with heart, the way you taught me [Chorus] To all my 9th grade teachers, I finally understand The echoes in your hallway still guide where I land You gave me more than answers, you gave me where to stand To all my 9th grade teachers, thank you for the plan [Outro] To all my 9th grade teachers... I hope you'd be proud of me