

Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1 – soft acoustic, worn vocals like smoke and gravel] It’s tough starin’ down this reflection, Knowin’ how far I drifted off the line. Could’ve been a better son, Could’ve been a man who showed up on time. I chased things that looked like freedom, But I never looked close enough to see… I was runnin’ from the man That the boy in me hoped I’d be. [Chorus – honest, raw, no soaring notes — just truth] It’s hard lookin’ at the man I am, Knowin’ the man I should’ve been. I got callouses I earned in all the wrong ways, And a list of things I’d do different today. But I still wake up, tryin’ to make it right, Still carryin’ ghosts through the night. No, I ain’t who I planned — but I still stand… Some days holdin’ grace in these weathered hands. [Verse 2 – reflective, but grounded] There’s folks I let down I can’t call now, Bridges I burned with nothin’ to prove. And I’ve said "I’m fine" more than I should’ve, Just to hide what I couldn’t undo. But I’m here. I’m breathin’. I ain’t quit — that counts for somethin’. The man I should’ve been… He still visits now and then. [Bridge – quiet pause, then spoken like a vow] I won’t waste more time lyin’ to the mirror. What’s done is done… But I’m still here. [Final Chorus – layered harmony, no drama, just depth] It’s hard lookin’ at the man I am, Knowin’ the man I should’ve been. But maybe these scars are how I learn, And the shame is how I finally turn. So I’ll keep walkin’, slow if I must, Tryin’ to be someone that man could trust. I ain't there yet — but I'm gettin' in range… One honest step at a time… tryin’ to change. [Outro – soft pick, final line nearly whispered] I should’ve been more. But I still might be.
Tags
Country-Folk / Acoustic Americana
2:54
No
5/10/2025