Bucket Dreams

[Verse 1]
He stands outside the yellow light
Counting coins in his cracked left hand
Grease on the glass
Posters shining bright
He knows the price
He knows he can’t

Kids run past with paper bags
Steam on their faces
Tongues all red
He laughs it off
Small practiced gag
Bites down on the words in his head

[Chorus]
“Maybe next month
Maybe next pay”
He tells himself the same old phrase
Stomach’s talking louder than pride today
But his wallet just shakes its head
He walks on instead

[Verse 2]
He smells salt and summer rain
Both hit hard in the cold night air
His shirt too thin
His shoes both stained
He stares at the menu
Tries not to stare

Remembers Sunday
Younger days
Sharing wings from a cardboard tray
Father’s hands
That quiet grace
How it felt to be full
To feel safe

[Chorus]
“Maybe next month
Maybe next pay”
He tells himself the same old phrase
Stomach’s talking louder than pride today
But his wallet just shakes its head
He walks on instead

[Bridge]
He counts small losses
One by one
Not just chicken
Not just crumbs
It’s every little thing he can’t touch
Every small comfort that costs too much

[Chorus]
“Maybe next month
Maybe next pay”
He whispers it
Voice worn away
Streetlight shining on the glass display
As his shadow turns and bends
He walks on again