Why Can’t I Be Here?

(Verse 1)
I was born on this street, played in this yard
Learned to dream beneath these stars
I pledged the flag, I knew the song
But now they say I don’t belong

They came at dawn, no warning call
Tore my name off the city wall
Said I’m a ghost in my own land
Tied my hands, I don’t understand

(Chorus)
Why can’t I be here?
Why am I erased?
I built my life in this place
Why can’t I be here?
Why am I the threat?
When all I’ve done is try to forget
The fear they feed, the lines they draw
The silence carved into the law
Why can’t I be here?
Why can’t I be here at all?

(Verse 2)
My mother’s tears stain the floor
My father’s voice won’t rise no more
My sister hides behind the blinds
Afraid they’ll come for her next time

I paid my dues, I played it straight
Still they shipped me out like freight
No trial, no face, no name
Just a number in their shame

(Bridge)
I am not your scapegoat
I am not your sin
I am not the story
You twist to win
I am flesh, I am breath
I am love, I am death
I am here — or I was
’Til you said I’m not enough

(Final Chorus)
Why can’t I be here?
Why am I erased?
I built my life in this place
Why can’t I be here?
Why am I the threat?
When all I’ve done is try to forget
The fear they feed, the lines they draw
The silence carved into the law
Why can’t I be here?
Why can’t I be here at all?

Punk / Metal