What It Takes to Be a Man

They said “man up,” but never told me how

Just got thrown out young, no job, no house

Frostbite fears in a Georgia night

Heart cracked cold, but I still chose right

Slept on prayers and my grandma’s grace

Carried burdens with a silent face

Had to grow up quick when Dad turned his back

Thought blood meant love—guess it don’t work like that

Had to fight just to stand, faith was all I had

I was broke, but I never broke down too bad

Still I smiled through the pain, didn’t fold my hand

Is this what it takes to be a man?

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To be a man, ain’t just muscle and pride

It’s the nights you cry and still survive

It’s forgiving folks who never understand

Holding truth when you can barely stand

It’s working long hours, earning what you can

It’s loving through silence, building with bare hands

If this is what it takes, then I understand

What it really means to be a man

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Saw the devil try to take my breath

Two flatlines—I danced with death

But Jesus stepped in, held out His hand

Told me, “Son, this world needs a better man”

Now I testify with every song

That even the broken still belong

I ain’t perfect, but I ain’t fake

Real men rise, even when they break

Had to walk through fire just to find my name

Let go of hate just to heal the shame

Every scar’s a story, every loss I’ve had

Was just shaping what it means to be a man

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To be a man, ain’t about who’s tough

It’s staying kind when life gets rough

It’s the tears you hide that no one sees

It’s choosing love over enemies

It’s being strong enough to pray and plan

And show your sister who I truly am

If this is what it takes, then I understand

What it really means to be a man

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I ain’t my father—I broke that chain

I made it out of all that pain

And I’ll keep building, brick by brick

With gospel truth and a faith that sticks

I thank my grandparents every day

For loving me the Jesus way

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To be a man, it’s the quiet fight

It’s finding peace in sleepless nights

It’s holding on when you want to quit

It’s giving more than you ever get

It’s choosing right when no one stands

Still thanking God with calloused hands

If this is what it takes, then here I am—

I finally know what it means to be a man