Eric Cestero - Thriving Through Gusts Lyrics

Born in Miami, where the sun always shines,
But behind closed doors, there were darker lines.
Nineties life, the rhythm and the pride,
Dancing to beats, but couldn't hide inside.
Kicked out for loving who I was meant to be,
Homeless streets became my reality.
But in the chaos, I found my way,
A spark of hope in every break of day.

I'm not a victim, no, I'm not afraid,
Through every storm, a brighter path I've made.
From the ashes, I rise, stronger than before,
A vibrant soul, forever wanting more.
I've lived, I've learned, and now I see,
The power of this life belongs to me.
No failure, no fear-just me thriving here,
Living loud and proud, the world so clear.

A gay man in a world that wasn't kind,
But I found love in the places others left behind.
Shelter from a brother, who saw the spark in me,
Taught me how to live, how to truly be free.
The streets were cold, but his heart was warm,
Guiding me through the eye of the storm.
HIV was his battle, but he gave me life,
Showed me how to dance through the darkest strife.

I'm not a victim, no, I'm not afraid,
Through every storm, a brighter path I've made.
From the ashes, I rise, stronger than before,
A vibrant soul, forever wanting more.
I've lived, I've learned, and now I see,
The power of this life belongs to me.
No failure, no fear-just me thriving here,
Living loud and proud, the world so clear.

No mentor, no guide, I built my way,
With every fall, I found my voice to stay.
Miami nights to sunrise bright,
I'm the story of survival, of taking flight.
From pain to power, from fear to love,
I rose like a phoenix, reaching above.

Now I stand here, stronger than I dreamed,
A life so full, brighter than it seemed.
I found the rhythm in my own heartbeat,
Danced through the fire, never knew defeat.
Every trial, every tear made me whole,
A thriving spirit, an unbreakable soul.
My journey's been long, but I wouldn't change,
This life I own, beautifully strange.

I'm not a victim, no, I'm not afraid,
Through every storm, a brighter path I've made.
From the ashes, I rise, stronger than before,
A vibrant soul, forever wanting more.
I've lived, I've learned, and now I see,
The power of this life belongs to me.
No failure, no fear-just me thriving here,
Living loud and proud, the world so clear.

I've walked the streets, I've touched the sky,
A gay man thriving, I know why.
The storm may come, but I'll always stand,
Because I hold the future in my hands.