(Heavy guitar riff kicks in - distorted and driving)
(Verse 1)
They tell me I'm strong, a survivor, a saint
A hero, a legend, the stories they paint
But they only see the surface, the gloss and the gleam
They don't see the cracks, the shattering scream
(Pre-Chorus)
You say I'm strong, but you don't want to know
The darkness I wrestled, the seeds that I sow
You want the sunshine, the rainbow's bright hue
But the storm still rages, right here, breaking through
(Chorus)
I survived, but a part of me died
With every battle, my spirit cried
The cost was heavy, a price I can't repay
Now I'm just a ghost, haunting yesterday
(Verse 2)
They say I'm alive, but my mind's rearranged
A broken compass, forever estranged
Where's the compassion? Where's the empathy's grace?
Lost in the judgment, the cold, empty space
(Pre-Chorus)
You say I'm strong, but you don't want to see
The demons that claw, the rage that burns in me
You want the calm after the hurricane's wrath
But the tremors still shake, along my lonely path
(Chorus)
I survived, but a part of me died
With every battle, my spirit cried
The cost was heavy, a price I can't repay
Now I'm just a ghost, haunting yesterday
(Bridge)
I flinch at a touch, I jump at a sound
Living on edge, on hallowed ground
Always looking over my shoulder, in fear
The next blow is coming, I know it's so clear
Pills and doctors, programs and wards
They try to fix me, ignore all the scars
(Guitar solo - intense and emotional, with wah pedal)
(Verse 3)
They say I'm strong, but they hate the expense
They want the victory, without the defense
No cure for this war, they say I should cope
But the memories linger, a tightening rope
(Chorus)
I survived, but a part of me died
With every battle, my spirit cried
The cost was heavy, a price I can't repay
Now I'm just a ghost, haunting yesterday
(Outro)
Don't traumatize me, for the pain I endure
Don't judge my scars, for the battles I've fought
I'm trying to heal, I'm trying to be free
Just let me be broken, just let me be me!
(Heavy guitar riff fades out with feedback and cymbal crashes)
