Prompt / Lyrics
[Intro] [Violin and fingerpicked guitar Slow and bare] [Verse 1] Coffee gone cold on the table Rain in the sink Drips in time Bills in a stack like a sermon Preached by a number I can't fight Boots by the door Mud still on them Phone full of words I won't read I stare at the wall till it wavers Then I whisper what I need [Chorus] When life is tough I fold up my sleeves Hit back smiling Through my teeth If this old world wants a piece of me It’s gonna see I bend But I don't break I bruise But I still sing When life is tough I fold up my sleeves Hit back smiling [Verse 2] Mama once said in the kitchen "Son Every storm has a song" You hum till the thunder grows tired You hum till the hurt moves on So I lace my faith like my laces Tight Till the doubt can't get in Take one slow step through the wreckage Feel that small fire begin (oh yeah) [Chorus] When life is tough I fold up my sleeves Hit back smiling Through my teeth If this old world wants a piece of me It’s gonna see I bend But I don't break I bruise But I still sing When life is tough I fold up my sleeves Hit back smiling [Bridge] [Fiddle climbs Drums and claps grow] Here's to the nights I was crawling Here's to the days I felt done Here's to the fact I’m still walking Half scared Half wild All sun [Chorus] When life is tough I fold up my sleeves Hit back smiling I still breathe If this old world wants a piece of me It’s gonna see I bend But I don't break I bruise But I still sing When life is tough I fold up my sleeves Hit back smiling Hit back smiling (hey!) When life is tough I fold up my sleeves Hit back smiling
Tags
rock, Earthy Celtic-country rock hybrid with rootsy fingerpicked acoustic guitar and fiddle intro, baritone male vocals in a Leonard Cohen–like murmur that gradually opens into a warm, rough-edged singalong. Low drums and upright bass slide in on Verse 1, adding a slow sway; chorus lifts with stomps, claps, and bright fiddle lines. Final chorus adds gang-style backing vocals and a small key lift in the strings for a quietly triumphant feel., violin, happy, sad, deep
Duration
3:48
Instrumental
No
Created
2/19/2026