[Verse 1]
Ain’t twenty-one and wild no more,
Don’t sleep like I did before.
I’ve traded shots for quiet nights,
Traded noise for peace that fights.
Got lines on my face and scars on my pride,
But I don’t flinch when the storms ride by.
This ain’t a crisis, it’s a view...
And I’m standin’ still at 42.
[Chorus – With Harmony]
(Lead)
Mile marker 42 —
Right on time, a little bruised.
(Harmony under)
Right where I’m supposed to be...
(Lead)
Not the fastest, not the first,
But I ain’t ridin’ in reverse.
(Harmony)
No lookin’ back...
(Lead)
I’ve burned some bridges, found some grace,
Learned that stillness ain’t a waste.
(Both)
Feelin’ damn right
At mile marker 42.
[Verse 2]
I used to chase like runnin' paid,
Like purpose came in accolades.
But now I know the quiet win,
Is hearin’ your child laugh in the wind.
The mirror’s honest, the road is long,
But I’ve learned how to lose without losin’ strong.
Ain’t tryin’ to prove I’ve nothin’ to do —
I’m just movin’ on from mile 42.
[Chorus – With Harmony, lifted]
(Lead)
Mile marker 42 —
Right on time, and breakin' through.
(Harmony echoes)
Breakin’ through...
(Lead)
I ain’t flashy, I ain’t loud,
But I know what I’ve got now.
(Harmony softens)
Ooh, I know now...
(Lead)
I’ve loved hard, I’ve walked away,
I’ve made peace with yesterday.
(Both)
Yeah, I’m built to ride
At mile marker 42.
[Bridge – Spoken, barely above a whisper]
Not in a rush.
Not stuck in regret.
Just grateful...
For the road that hasn’t ended yet.
[Final Chorus – Harmony swells gently, then drops out]
(Lead)
Mile marker 42 —
Not a finish line, not a debut.
It’s just the truth in my own skin,
Where the next good part begins.
(Harmony returns)
Next good part...
(Lead)
I’ve got less to prove, more to give,
And better reasons now to live.
(Both)
With open eyes...
At mile marker 42.
[Extended Outro – Fingerpicked guitar only]
[Soft humming harmony fades]
[One final line, whispered or spoken]
Still movin’.
Still here.
And I’m not done yet.
BrandonJamesBand
