Unpaid Hours

Clock keeps ticking, check won't come
We keep the lights on for everyone
Steel boots echo on terminal floors
Badges flash, but wallets are poor
TSA smiles through endless days
Keeping the line while hope decays
We run the show, unpaid and proud
Invisible hands beneath the crowd
Unpaid hours, unbroken backs
Holding steady through the cracks
We keep the country running true
Even when it's breaking you
Still working. Still here
No paycheck, no fear
A nurse on call with no sleep left
Bills pile high, the fridge half-kept
She hums a hymn to block the strain
Counting faith instead of gain
Used to dream of summer skies
Now side jobs keep our hopes alive
Gas runs low, but hearts don't break
We build from dust what they forsake
Unpaid hours, unbroken backs
No silver lining in these cracks
We lift the weight, we mend the seams
Still chasing pay in broken dreams
Still working. Still here
Unpaid, but clear
Clock keeps ticking
We keep time
We keep time
We keep time
Clock keeps ticking
We keep time
We keep time
We keep time
Clock keeps ticking
We keep time
We keep time
We keep time
Clock keeps ticking
We keep time
We keep time
We keep time