[Verse 1 – soft electric guitar, restrained vocals with grit]
These hands still shake / but they’re not empty
Scars like maps / and I don’t resent them
I’ve bled in silence / prayed through panic
Learned that hope ain’t soft — it’s savage
They said, “You’re strong,” / but they weren’t looking
Strength ain’t loud / it’s what keeps moving
So if the world wants fear and shame
Let ‘em — I’ve got a better name
[Pre-Chorus – drums kick in, voice rising]
You told me once: “Don’t be afraid”
Now I wear those words like chainmail grace
Every voice that says I can’t
Gets buried by my second chance
[Chorus – explosive instrumentation, full belt vocal]
I will not tremble — I’ve got fire in my veins
I’ve walked through shadows that remember my name
You can break me down, but I’m already free
’Cause Heaven walks beside what hell can’t see
I won’t back down, I won’t forget
I’m more than bruises and regret
I’m here — and I’m alive —
[Verse 2 – stronger rhythm, punchy phrasing]
My heart still breaks, but it beats louder
Pain ain’t weakness — it’s the power
To rise again, to take the blow
To carry light through undertow
This ain’t a sermon — it’s survival
A soul in war, not in denial
I don’t preach, but I believe
In something stronger than what bleeds
[Pre-Chorus – higher intensity]
You told me once: “Be brave, be bold”
So I carved those words into my bones
Every loss just lights the fuse
For the war I didn’t choose
[Chorus – repeat with added harmony and backing guitar harmonics]
I will not tremble — I’ve got fire in my veins
I’ve walked through shadows that remember my name
You can break me down, but I’m already free
’Cause Heaven walks beside what hell can’t see
I won’t back down, I won’t forget
I’m more than bruises and regret
I’m here — and I’m alive —
[Bridge – drop to vocals + ambient guitar swells]
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous
Do not be terrified…
Do not be discouraged…
For the Lord your God is with you… wherever you go.
(spoken, barely above a whisper — then silence…)
[Final Chorus – full fury, band and vocals unleashed]
I will not tremble — I’ve got fire in my veins
I’ve faced the dark, and I still remain
Every wound’s a battle hymn
That proves I’m not who I’ve been
So bring the storm — I’ve met my fear
And I’m still standing here
I’m here — and I’m alive —
SLAUGHTER