Before I Ever Served

Steady march. Snare tight. No rush.)

Verse 1
Left foot, right foot, count it out
Learned my name when they stripped me down
Hair cut short, stand in line
Eyes front, fall in time

Boots hit dirt, gravel road
Carry the weight, never show
I learned quick how to stay in step
And swallow words I never said

Chorus (Marching Radio Hook)
I was somebody before I served
Before the oath, before the hurt
Before the nights I still replay
And the things I did along the way

Yeah the storm can take my medals
Take my strength, take my pride
But it can’t take the name He gave me
Before I stepped in that line

Verse 2
Kept my head down, shoulders square
Trust the man on either side
Built my worth on hold the line
Don’t fall out, don’t ask why

But the marching never leaves your bones
Even when you’re back at home
And when the noise finally went quiet
I had to face the man inside

Chorus
I was somebody before I served
Before the scars, before the dirt
Before the weight I still carry
And the ones who didn’t make it home

Yeah the storm can take my medals
Take the years, take the fight
But it can’t take the name He gave me
Before I stepped in that line

Bridge (Drums Drop, Low Gospel Feel)
I ain’t saved by the miles I walked
Or the orders I never talked
If I lose my footing, lose my way
Grace still calls me by my name

(Two bars of drums only)

Chorus (Final – Chant Style)
Before I served
Before I broke
Before the smoke
Before the oath

He knew my name
He knew my face
I wasn’t earned
I was made by grace

Yeah the storm can take my medals
Take the best years of my life
But it can’t take who I was
Before I stepped in that line

Outro
Left foot, right foot, slow it down
Lay my rank in the ground
I ain’t what I did
I’m who He says I am

Gritty outlaw country with gospel grit, heavy marching drums in key moments, about identity before service and streng