Still standing loud

I grew up hearing voices in my head,

Some said run, some said stay in bed.

I learned early how to hold my ground,

Smile on my face while I was breaking down.

They tried to teach me how to play it safe,

But I was never good at second place.

I kept my eyes on something more,

Even when I didn’t know what for.

I was lost but not gone,

Yeah I bent but I’m still strong.

When the lights go out and the road’s unclear,

I remember why I’m still here.

I’ve been down, I’ve been afraid,

But I never let the fire fade.

Say what you want, I won’t disappear,

I didn’t come this far just to feel the fear.

I stand my ground, year after year,

That’s the reason why I’m still here.

I found love in the middle of the mess,

Found truth in the words I couldn’t express.

She saw the cracks, she stayed the same,

Held my hand when I doubted my name.

Now there’s a kid with my eyes and hope,

Learning life at the end of a rope.

I swear to him I’ll break that chain,

Teach him how to rise from pain.

Every wrong turn led me home,

I was never meant to walk alone.

When the lights go out and the road’s unclear,

I remember why I’m still here.

I’ve been down, I’ve been afraid,

But I never let the fire fade.

Say what you want, I won’t disappear,

I didn’t come this far just to feel the fear.

I stand my ground, year after year,

That’s the reason why I’m still here.

Maybe I feel too much sometimes,

Carry tomorrow on my spine.

But every scar just proves to me,

I survived who I used to be.

When the world backs off and it gets too real,

I hold on to what I feel.

I’ve been low, I’ve paid my dues,

Still got everything to lose.

Say what you want, I’m standing right here,

With a heart that beats through doubt and fear.

I stand my ground, loud and clear,

That’s the reason why I’m still here.

Yeah… I’m still here.