Verse 1
Back in the halls where the ceilings leaked
Rain on our boots, cracked concrete
We carved up the stalls like we owned the place
Thought we’d never break, never lose our face
Lunch tables split by the lines we drew
Swore we’d stay loyal to what we knew
But time has a way of wearing you down
Makes you rethink what you’re shouting out loud
Pre-Chorus
Caps in the air, middle fingers high
Ran from ourselves, didn’t wonder why
Chorus
Now we meet with eyes that almost smile
Old ghosts linger but it’s been a while
Some of us changed, some stayed the same
Some just got tired of the endless game
Time chewed us up, left the edges worn
I don’t hate you, I’m just weathered and torn
How do we cross that ragged divide
When we’re all still learning how to try?
Verse 2
We followed the loud mouths and borrowed their lines
Believed every headline, every sign
Switched our stances more than once
Call it growing up or giving up
The kings of the lunchroom lost their thrones
The ones we looked up to turned to ghosts
And maybe it’s nobody’s fault at all
Just takes a lifetime to see how we fall
Pre-Chorus
Caps in the air, middle fingers high
Burned it all down just to feel alive
Chorus
Now we meet with eyes that almost smile
Old ghosts linger but it’s been a while
Some of us changed, some stayed the same
Some just got tired of the endless game
Time chewed us up, left the edges worn
I don’t hate you, I’m just weathered and torn
How do we cross that ragged divide
When we’re all still learning how to try?
Bridge
Saw you leaning by the exit sign
Didn’t feel much—guess that’s fine
You said, “Funny how we thought we knew it all”
I said, “Yeah, I don’t miss that at all”
The past showed up in your tired eyes
But no blame left, no need to disguise
We laughed, said “Man, we were part of the spin”
Then turned away, no one had to win
Pre-Chorus (Stripped Down)
Years went bl
By, here we stand
Two cracked mirrors, open hands
Final Chorus
Now we meet with hearts that are bruised and bend
Not trying to fix, not trying to pretend
The ones we followed don’t speak our name
And half our views we’d never claim
Still the same game, still the same pride
Just older faces on the losing side
But maybe the gap ain’t a canyon wide
Just proof we’re all still learning how to try
Outro (Chorus Reprise)
Now we meet with eyes that almost see
Not just the past but what’s left of me
We ain’t the same—just older bones
And I’m fine with leaving it alone
GrooveKernel
