22

This is for all the men and women of our United States Armed Forces or for anyone who is struggling out there. This here is for you.
[Verse 1]
He came back home but left his heart in that sand
Dog tags hangin’ on a rearview, tremblin’ hand
Sleeps with the lights on, bottle by the bed
Every night he fights with ghosts that live inside his head
No ticker-tape parade, just another name
A number on a list—they all look the same
[Chorus]
It ain't about bein’ tough, hell, we all got scars
But some wounds don't bleed, they just tear you apart
He hides the pain, puts on that grin
Shakes your hand like he's alright again
But he’s fightin’ like hell just to make it through
One more day that don’t end in 22
[Verse 2]
They say freedom ain’t free, but they don’t see the cost
The ones still breathin’ carry all the ones we lost
He don’t ask for thanks, never says a word
Just drives to work and swallows hurt
A warrior’s soul behind tired eyes
Hopin’ to God tonight ain’t goodbye
[Chorus]
It ain't about bein’ strong, it’s about stayin’ alive
When the weight on your chest’s like a landslide
He hides the war behind that smile
But he's been dyin’ inside for a while
Tryin’ to hold on when the world falls through
One more night that don’t end in 22
[Bridge]
I’ve seen my brothers fall in silence
Heard ‘em laugh through all the violence
So I raise this song like a flag in the sky
For the ones still here and the reasons why
[Verse 3]
So if you're out there feelin' alone tonight
Just know I’m still here, still ready to fight
Don’t give up now, don’t fade away
There’s a sunrise comin’ past this long dark day
You ain’t a number, you’re a name, you’re a flame
Still burnin’ in the wind, still in the game
[Verse 4]
So I’ll carry the torch for the ones who can’t
For the brothers and sisters who never got that chance
I’ll wear their memory like a badge on my chest
Swear on my soul I’ll give ‘em my best
This fight ain't over, not while I breathe
I’ll be the voice when they can't speak
[Final Chorus]
It ain't about bein’ brave, it's about holdin’ on
When the world tells you everything's gone wrong
So here’s to the battle you’re still pushin’ through
You ain’t alone, and you ain’t 22

male, gritty country rock