You put the cup down on the coaster
Wipe a spill and look away
You say “I’m just a waitress, sorry”
Like you’re in the way
But that coffee starts a business plan
That smile saves a bad day
Don’t apologize for gravity
Don’t apologize for space
You are never just anything
You are the glue, the spark, the string
The city stops without the gears
You’re worth so much more than your fears
Not just a hands, not just a face
You are the heartbeat of this place
I saw you cleaning up the hallway
Late at night when folks are gone
You said “I’m just a cleaner, really”
And turned the vacuum on
But you clear the path for someone’s dream
You make the chaos disappear
If you walked away tomorrow
Everything would crumble here
You are never just anything
You are the glue, the spark, the string
The city stops without the gears
You’re worth so much more than your fears
Not just a hands, not just a face
You are the heartbeat of this place
You steer the wheel through driving rain
They tap their cards and check the train
You say “I’m just a driver, mate”
While they rush to leave the gate
But you carry stories, you carry lives
Husbands, daughters, and new wives
You’re the captain of the street
Getting everyone to where they meet
You are never just anything
You are the glue, the spark, the string
The city stops without the gears
You’re worth so much more than your fears
Not just a hands, not just a face
You are the heartbeat of this place
I saw you holding shaking hands
When no one else understands
You say “I’m just a carer now”
Wiping sweat from a furrowed brow
But you give dignity to the grey
You listen to what they have to say
When the family leaves and the lights go low
You’re the only angel that they know
You are never just anything
You are the glue, the spark, the string
The city stops without the gears
You’re worth so much more than your fears
Not just a hands, not just a face
You are the heartbeat of this place
Every “just” is a lie we tell ourselves
To make us feel small on the shelves
Take the “just” out of your name
Stand up tall inside the frame
Driver, cleaner, server, friend.
You’re essential until the end.
You are never just anything.
You’re essential.
You’re essential.
Never just anything.
Read by Riley Via-Silva. Written by Mark Nolan. Musical version available on all distribution platforms, and you can listen here.