Respect from Nothing

(solo)

All my days spent in shadows, I work and I hide

Silent in my fortress, I don't talk, I just survive

Refusing to look back, 'cause the past burns like a flame

Anger in my eyes, I carry it, I wear it, it’s my name

People shallow as water, chasing things that fade away

Their hollow words and empty smiles, I see through their play

They clutch their worldly nonsense, never taking anything when they die

All I want's respect, a dignity I won't deny

If I’m alone, so be it, I’ve chosen this path to be free

No one earns my chase, no one gets the best of me

What they made of me — an animal, that’s all I can be

This is who I am, this is my decree

No money can buy what’s left inside, a soul unbroken, a pride

Respect’s the only treasure I hold, in a world so cold, I abide

Never changing for anyone’s game, I stand my ground, I own my pain

You made me what I am, deal with it, I won’t be tamed

Deep within this slow song, I tell my story in the rain

Darkness wraps around my heart, yet I remain the same

If they want to forget, I’ll remind them—respect’s not a game

In the silence of my fight, I carve my name in shame

So let me be, in my solitude, I find my peace

No apologies, no more to prove, my soul’s release

Respect is all I ask, in this life, in this death

I am who I am — free, unbroken, with my final breath

(Solo)