[Verse 1] I've been broke down on roads with no name slept under skies that didn't care carried weight that bent me sideways but I found my feet I'm still standing there [Verse 2] I've walked through fire that would've stopped most men took the hits and took the fall but every time the darkness tried to own me I rose up stronger from it all [Verse 3] I've met the man who needed proving chased approval like a second sun spent so long becoming someone else I nearly missed the man beneath the skin [Chorus] Hard lessons long years the world had plenty to say I know who I am now and I learned it the hard way [Verse 4] The noise that used to shake me doesn't reach me the voices that once ruled me lost their throne I've seen behind the curtain of the chaos and found a peace I've never known [Verse 5] The mystery that haunted every question the why behind the what behind the where it didn't need an answer from the outside it was waiting in the silence always there [Verse 6] There's a quiet now that nothing can disturb settled deep where the storm used to live not the quiet of a man who's given up the quiet of a man who's learned to give [Verse 7] himself permission just to be exactly what the long road shaped him to become no apology for how the edges landed I know the journey and I know where I'm from [Chorus] Hard lessons long years the world had plenty to say I know who I am now and I learned it the hard way [Bridge] This skin has earned its fit these hands have earned their rest the mystery is solved and the answer is yes [Chorus] Hard lessons long years the world had plenty to say I know who I am now and I learned it the hard way
