A Star Is Made

Lyrics

[Verse 1] At dawn the whistle cut the kitchen air I laced my boots beside the folding chair Mama said, “Son, the road is yours to choose” I packed my Sunday shirt and battered shoes The county line was fading in the dust I had a name to earn, a dream to trust They called the roll; I answered, “Here I am” A small-town boy with thunder in his hands [Pre-Chorus] One step, then another, hold your head up high The hard road teaches how to reach the sky [Chorus] I’m going up, I’m going all the way From the red-clay road to the marquee day I’ll take the count, I’ll take the strain Turn every no into a reason to train When the curtain rises, they’ll know my name I came from nowhere, but I came to claim My place in the light, my shot at the start A star is made with a stubborn heart [Verse 2] The sergeant’s voice rang sharp across the yard “Again, recruit; the easy part is hard” We ran the hill till morning turned to gold I learned the price of doing what you’re told At night I worked the diner, saved each dime And practiced every line on closing time A bus rolled out beneath a harvest moon I swore I’d stand beneath those house lights soon [Pre-Chorus] One step, then another, let the whole world try I know the name I’m reaching for is mine [Chorus] I’m going up, I’m going all the way From the red-clay road to the marquee day I’ll take the count, I’ll take the strain Turn every no into a reason to train When the curtain rises, they’ll know my name I came from nowhere, but I came to claim My place in the light, my shot at the start A star is made with a stubborn heart [Bridge] I missed the mark; I heard the laughter fall I stood alone against that backstage wall Then in my coat I found her folded note: “Keep your word, and keep your shoulders broad” So let the brass sound, let the floorboards shake I’ve given every ounce I had to make This one bright chance more than a passing dream I’m ready now—just watch me take the scene [Final Chorus] I’m going up, I’m going all the way From the red-clay road to the marquee day I’ll take the count, I’ll take the strain Turn every no into a reason to train Now the curtain rises; they know my name That small-town promise is a living flame My place in the light, my shot at the start I earned this moment with a stubborn heart [Outro] From the county line to the standing ovation I’m stepping forward—this is my elevation