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Lyrics:
[Verse 1 – Quiet, slow]
We used to joke in the locker room
Tossin' gear like boys do
Jimmy always made the coffee too strong
Reed had that Springsteen song
Then came the smoke, came the call
We all ran in, proud to stand tall
Some made it back with black on their face
Some left a hole time can’t replace
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[Pre-Chorus – Voice rising]
We climbed stairs, floor by floor
Didn’t count, just kicked through doors
And when the towers fell, time stood still
But part of me’s there, and always will
---
[Chorus – Full and emotional]
I still hear the bell, still feel the heat
Still see their faces in the back of my seat
We walked through fire, we stood through hell
Some went quiet when that last beam fell
I made it out, but I ain’t whole
Carry their names like a fireman’s soul
I survived… but I don’t forget
I still hear the bell, I ain’t left it yet
---
[Verse 2 – Raw and real]
Sometimes I dream I'm back inside
Steel and glass and flashing lights
Their voices echo down the hall
"One more floor!" then nothing at all
I see their boots in the empty bay
Hear their laughs on a quiet day
They didn’t leave us, not really gone
They ride with me when the tones come on
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[Pre-Chorus – Stripped back, spoken-like]
I wear the badge, I wear the pain
And I’d do it all over again
For every brother that gave it all
Who answered when they heard the call
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[Chorus – Repeat with grit]
I still hear the bell, still feel the heat
Still see their faces in the back of my seat
We walked through fire, we stood through hell
Some went quiet when that last beam fell
I made it out, but I ain’t whole
Carry their names like a fireman’s soul
I survived… but I don’t forget
I still hear the bell, I ain’t left it yet
---
[Bridge – Reflective and quiet]
Some scars don’t bleed, but they still burn
Every year when the towers return
I light a candle, I pour a glass
Say their names and let the silence pass
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[Final Chorus – Powerful, respectful close]
I still hear the bell… and I always will
In the smoke, in the still, on every hill
They gave it all, we carry the flame
No glory needed, just say their names
I made it out, but I’m not done
'Til my last shift, I’ll stand for everyone
Yeah I survived… and I don’t forget
I still hear the bell… I ain’t left it yet
