erse 1
I thought healing would feel like relief
Like waking up lighter than before
But it felt like learning how to breathe
In a house that burned down to the floor
Every memory had teeth in it
Every silence knew my name
I didn’t come here looking for peace
I came because staying hurt the same
Pre-Chorus
No one tells you the cost
Of becoming who you need
Chorus
This is what it took
Staying when running felt wise
Holding the line
When I didn’t trust my mind
Every night I didn’t quit
Every truth I didn’t hide
This is what it took
To still be alive
Verse 2
I stopped waiting to feel ready
Stopped asking for a sign
Started choosing the harder thing
One small moment at a time
I buried versions of myself
That only knew how to survive
I didn’t lose them
They saved me
Then stepped aside
Pre-Chorus
Progress doesn’t always feel like hope
Sometimes it feels like grit
Chorus
This is what it took
Saying my name without shame
Letting the hurt
Pass through me instead of staying
Every tear I never showed
Every fear I stayed beside
This is what it took
To still be alive
Bridge
If you’re listening with tired hands
Wondering if you’re behind
Hear this clearly
You don’t heal on borrowed time
Some wounds close quietly
Some take years to learn your skin
If you’re still here
You’re already winning
Chorus
This is what it takes
Showing up unfinished, afraid
Not feeling strong
But choosing the day anyway
Every breath that says “not yet”
Every dawn you didn’t deny
This is what it takes
To stay alive
Outro
One day this won’t hurt to remember
It will hurt less than it does today
And you won’t call it brokenness
You’ll call it the price you paid
For choosing yourself
For choosing to stay