Verse 1
December ten, two thousand twenty-five
Ten years of showing up, ten years of staying alive
Through the fever, through the doubts, through the weight nobody claimed
I carried every burden, even when no one knew my name
Pre-Chorus
I thought the secret to moving up
Was saying yes to every load
But the truth hits hard when you realize
You’ve been walking a one-way road
Chorus
’Cause I was there when the world stood still
Reporting in when fear was real
A quiet soldier in a storm that no one chose
I held the line in the cold and rain
Worked holidays through grief and pain
But when the dust had settled, what did I get in return?
Just a paper on my wall, and a lesson deep and tall—
The system doesn’t always see the fire you hold
So I’m learning now to give just what’s owed
As I walk into the next decade.
Verse 2
I’ve watched the new ones rise with ease
Like the wind just carried them where I’ve crawled on my knees
And I wonder where dedication stands
In a world run by politics and unspoken plans
Pre-Chorus
So I’m stepping back from the extra miles
No more bleeding just to smile
I’ll work with heart but guard my peace
Give what’s fair and find release
Chorus
’Cause I was there when the world stood still
Reporting in when fear was real
A quiet soldier in a storm that no one chose
I held the line in the cold and rain
Worked holidays through grief and pain
But when the dust had settled, what did I get in return?
Just a paper on my wall, and a truth I can’t ignore—
The fire dims when it’s left out in the cold
So I’m learning now to give just what’s owed
As I walk into the next decade.
Bridge
Maybe a few more years, then I’ll take my rest
Find the peace I’ve earned, give my tired heart its best
Maybe early days of freedom, maybe dreams I’ve set aside
A life beyond this desk, a place where purpose can finally rise
Breakdown
And yet I look ahead and wonder
Will the road be kind or pull me under?
Will this quiet perseverance
Ever get its due?
I don’t know…
Only time knows the truth.
Final Chorus
But I was there when the world stood still
And I know my heart, I always will
Show up for myself the way I once did for them
No more shadows, no more strain
Just honest work and steady flame
And maybe someday the universe will finally unfold
A reward for a heart that stayed brave and bold
As I walk into the next decade—
With a quieter fire, but a stronger soul.
Outro
December ten, ten years long…
What comes next is still unwritten—
But this time,
I’m choosing me.