Shadows on a Steel Guitar

Lyrics

They preach “be tough on your kids,” let the hard times roll, Build that iron backbone, make ’em strong for the soul. But that ain’t the war zone I woke up in every day— Bottles on the table, fists flying, drugs lighting the way. Grew up fast with street smarts, eyes wide in the dark, Knew how to duck, how to run, how to hide every spark. But love? That was a language nobody spoke, Just bruises for breakfast and promises broke. (Chorus) It’s no blessing, no silver, no “character” shine, It’s a tragedy carved in these bones of mine. Alcohol, abuse—yeah, they called that “home,” Left me searching for healthy, still lost and alone. It ain’t your fault, hear the truth in this song, Parents dragged you in, now the damage is done. Get mad, get loud, let the anger ignite— Then go be the light they never gave you that night. (Verse 2) Years spent unpacking why I’m wired this way, Chasing ghosts in my head till the break of day. Thought it made me tougher—nah, it just made me scared, Of every kind touch, every promise that dared. Don’t you dare feel lucky for surviving that hell, It stole your childhood and rang the damn bell. Street smarts can’t teach you what real love should be, When violence was normal and pain was the key. (Bridge) When the fear finally fades and your spine stands tall, Look ’em both in the eye, let the reckoning call. Tell ’em it was wrong, every scar, every tear, They owe you the years they stole without care. Then swing for the fences—knock his teeth on the floor, One punch for the nights you can’t un-live anymore. He’s getting off easy, believe me, it’s true— But that’s the last time he ever touches you. (Chorus – louder, with fire) It’s no blessing, no silver, no “character” shine, It’s a tragedy carved in these bones of mine. Alcohol, abuse—yeah, they called that “home,” Left me searching for healthy, still lost and alone. It ain’t your fault—scream it till the sky cracks wide, Parents’ mess, not yours; let the shame subside. Get mad, get loud, let the anger ignite— Then go be the light they never gave you that night. (Final Outro – softer, resolute) Walk out that door, leave the wreckage behind, Don’t carry their poison, don’t repeat their crime. Raise your own different—gentle, steady, and true, Break the damn cycle, that’s the best revenge you can do. You’re not broken, you’re battle-tested and free, Now go love this world like it first loved you