The town I helped build

[Verse 1]
Four a.m., the kettle’s on,
Pull yesterday’s work shirt on.
An hour’s drive to a waterfront view,
To build a life I can’t move into.
I laid the tiles in their kitchen floor,
My landlord wants a hundred more.
They picked out stone from overseas,
I’m counting fuel till the end of the week.

[Pre-Chorus]
my daddy said, “Son, learn yourself a trade,. Work real hard and you’ll be okay.”
Well, these hands did what they were told, Now everyones street’s are worth more than gold.

[Chorus]
I built this town, but I can’t stay,
It gets more expensive every day.
Brick by brick and wall by wall,
I built your dream that I can’t afford.
My back’s worn out, my hands are skilled,
but my wallet can’t buy what my hands have built.
Working all week, falling behind still—
Can’t afford the town I helped build.

[Verse 2]
There’s a sold sign where Mum used to stay,
They knocked it down when she went away.
Six new units, a security gate,
I fitted the locks there yesterday.
The boss says there’s years of work ahead,
I’m doing the sums lying awake in bed.
Another rent rise, another move,
Another long drive in worn-out boots.

[Pre-Chorus]
my banker Says, “Save some more and come back then.”
But every time I get close,
The price goes up and there it goes.

[Chorus]
I built this town, but I can’t stay,
It gets more expensive every day.
Brick by brick and wall by wall,
I built your dream that I can’t afford.
My back’s worn out, my hands are skilled,
but my wallet can’t buy what my hands have built.
Working all week, falling behind still—
Can’t afford the town I helped build.

[Bridge]
I don’t begrudge you what you’ve earned,
But when the hell did the whole thing turn?
When did a home become a prize
That moves away as the market climbs?
Come shake my hand on election day,
Get your picture, then drive away.
You say this town has room to grow—
Then tell me please, where its workers go.

[Final Chorus]
I built this town, but I can’t stay,
It gets more expensive every day.
Brick by brick and wall by wall,
I built your dream that I can’t afford.
My back’s worn out, my hands are skilled,
but my wallet can’t buy what my hands have built.
Working all week, falling behind still—
Can’t afford the town I helped build.

[Outro]
Tomorrow I’ll hang another front door,
Leave the keys on your window sill.
Then drive away from another home
In the town I helped build.