Stepping In View

Lyrics

[Intro] They know your name before they know mine I learned to wait; now I’m done waiting [Verse 1] At the kitchen table, your medals caught the light Mom told your old story for the hundredth time that night I had a sketchbook open, every page a little world You said, “That’s nice,” then asked where your jersey was, girl School hall, my painting hung beside the trophy case Folks walked right past it, looking for your winning face I clapped from the bleachers till my palms were sore Then went home and made something they couldn’t ignore [Pre-Chorus] I’m not mad that you shine, I just needed room A little less “your sister,” a little more “that’s her tune” I’ve been building in the quiet, brick by brick Now the door is open, and I’m walking through it [Chorus] I’m more than the name they put beside yours More than the girl they keep waiting to applaud I got my own hands, I got my own spark I’ve been making my mark while you had the whole yard You can have your crown, I don’t need your throne I can stand in a room and be known on my own I’m not in your shadow; I’m stepping in view The girl they overlooked is coming through [Verse 2] You could score the winning point; I could solve the whole design Built a cardboard city with a working little sign Won the county showcase, came back with a blue ribbon They said, “Your brother must be proud”—like I wasn’t the one winning I smiled, took the photo, tucked the paper in my coat Kept a list of every dream I hadn’t yet put out in bold Now the mic is in my hand, every bar a measured step I don’t need to take your place to claim the space I’ve kept [Pre-Chorus] I’m not mad that you shine, I just needed room A little less “your sister,” a little more “that’s her tune” I’ve been building in the quiet, brick by brick Now the door is open, and I’m walking through it [Chorus] I’m more than the name they put beside yours More than the girl they keep waiting to applaud I got my own hands, I got my own spark I’ve been making my mark while you had the whole yard You can have your crown, I don’t need your throne I can stand in a room and be known on my own I’m not in your shadow; I’m stepping in view The girl they overlooked is coming through [Bridge] And maybe you never meant to take the air Maybe I was right there, but nobody looked there No blame to carry, no score to settle Just my own two feet and a voice that’s level When they say your name, I can cheer, that’s true When they ask who I am, I won’t point to you [Final Chorus] I’m more than the name they put beside yours More than the girl they keep waiting to applaud I got my own hands, I got my own spark I’ve been making my mark, now they know who we are You can have your crown, I don’t need your throne I can stand in a room and be known on my own I’m not in your shadow; I’m stepping in view The girl they overlooked came shining through [Outro] Your story is yours, and this one is mine I don’t need the spotlight—I brought my own shine