22

This is for all the men and women of our United States Armed Forces or for anyone who is struggling out there. This here is for you.

He came back home but left his heart in that sand

Dog tags hangin’ on a rearview, tremblin’ hand

Sleeps with the lights on, bottle by the bed

Every night he fights with ghosts that live inside his head

No ticker-tape parade, just another name

A number on a list—they all look the same

It ain't about bein’ tough, hell, we all got scars

But some wounds don't bleed, they just tear you apart

He hides the pain, puts on that grin

Shakes your hand like he's alright again

But he’s fightin’ like hell just to make it through

One more day that don’t end in 22

They say freedom ain’t free, but they don’t see the cost

The ones still breathin’ carry all the ones we lost

He don’t ask for thanks, never says a word

Just drives to work and swallows hurt

A warrior’s soul behind tired eyes

Hopin’ to God tonight ain’t goodbye

It ain't about bein’ strong, it’s about stayin’ alive

When the weight on your chest’s like a landslide

He hides the war behind that smile

But he's been dyin’ inside for a while

Tryin’ to hold on when the world falls through

One more night that don’t end in 22

I’ve seen my brothers fall in silence

Heard ‘em laugh through all the violence

So I raise this song like a flag in the sky

For the ones still here and the reasons why

So if you're out there feelin' alone tonight

Just know I’m still here, still ready to fight

Don’t give up now, don’t fade away

There’s a sunrise comin’ past this long dark day

You ain’t a number, you’re a name, you’re a flame

Still burnin’ in the wind, still in the game

So I’ll carry the torch for the ones who can’t

For the brothers and sisters who never got that chance

I’ll wear their memory like a badge on my chest

Swear on my soul I’ll give ‘em my best

This fight ain't over, not while I breathe

I’ll be the voice when they can't speak

It ain't about bein’ brave, it's about holdin’ on

When the world tells you everything's gone wrong

So here’s to the battle you’re still pushin’ through

You ain’t alone, and you ain’t 22