King of the Almost

Lyrics

[Verse 1] They line up at the doorway saying, “Go on, run away” I lace my shoes, inspect the floor, then choose another way No trophy in the cabinet, no scoreboard in the hall I’m not here to prove a thing—I’m here to miss the call [Pre-Chorus] You say I need a victory I say I need a chair The world can keep its medals I’ve got purpose in the air [Chorus] I won’t beat it, I don’t need to beat it Still I rise when the pressure comes near I’m a little bit lost, but the path is mine And the reason gets strangely clear You can call me the king of the almost You can laugh when I change my plan I won’t beat it, I don’t need to beat it I’ll do what I can [Verse 2] They hand me down a headline with my name already spelled I trade it for a napkin and a story I can tell If every road is asking me to conquer every mile I’ll take the scenic detour and arrive with a smile [Pre-Chorus] You say I need a battle cry I say I need some bread There’s wisdom in surrender And a sandwich in my head [Chorus] I won’t beat it, I don’t need to beat it Still I rise when the pressure comes near I’m a little bit lost, but the path is mine And the reason gets strangely clear You can call me the king of the almost You can laugh when I change my plan I won’t beat it, I don’t need to beat it I’ll do what I can [Bridge] If the heavens wrote a message It would fit upon one hand: Keep your heart from turning hollow Help somebody where you stand No thunder, no grand ending Just a promise, warm and plain When you cannot win the whole world Give one kindness back again [Breakdown] Not today Not that way I’m still here That’s okay [Final Chorus] I won’t beat it, I don’t need to beat it Still I rise with a laugh and a scar I’m a little bit lost, but the path is mine And I’m learning exactly where we are You can call me the king of the almost You can wave from the edge of the land I won’t beat it, I don’t need to beat it I’ll do what I can [Outro] Do what you can Stand where you stand No need to beat it Just lend a hand