Lyrics

There’s a voice I used to silence,
A truth I used to hide.
Told myself to keep on moving,
While something broke inside.
Tried to fill the quiet moments
With noise that made me numb,
But nothing ever healed me
'Til I stopped trying to run.

Now I sit with all my shadows,
Let the light come pouring in.
Not ashamed of where I’ve been
That’s where my strength begins.

I am not the pain I carried,
I am not the war I fought.
I’m the lessons, I’m the healing,
I’m the stillness that I sought.
I don’t need to prove I’m worthy,
I don’t need the world to see
I’m proud of who I’ve become,
And the man I choose to be.

They said “don’t show emotion,”
“Don’t let the tears break through.”
But now I know there’s power
In being raw and true.
I faced the fear beneath my pride,
The doubt behind my smile,
And found a softer kind of strength
In walking through each mile.

I don’t need a perfect story,
Just one that’s lived with grace
With open hands, I’ve made my peace
With every scar I face.

I am not the pain I carried,
I am not the war I fought.
I’m the lessons, I’m the healing,
I’m the stillness that I sought.
I don’t need to prove I’m worthy,
I don’t need the world to see
I’m proud of who I’ve become,
And the man I choose to be.

There’s a freedom in forgiving,
A strength in letting go,
And a love that I am learning
To give myself and grow.

I am not the pain I carried,
I am not the war I fought.
I’m the fire, I’m the peace,
I’m the wisdom life has taught.
Every day I rise with purpose,
Every breath reminds me
I’m proud of who I’ve become,
And the man I choose to be.

Yes, the man I choose to be...
Is finally free to just be me.