Quiet Valor

The headlines say we’re heroes still, but heroes don’t choke down these pills. They call it pride, I call it fear, it’s getting loud inside my mirror. [Verse 1] Sunrise hits a coffee cup, half awake, but I’m still stuck. Smile on cue, “I’m doin’ fine,” hide the shakes behind the shine. [Chorus] Quiet valor, hollow grace, don’t let ‘em see the lines on your face. Carry light, don’t show the weight, they love the story, not the state. [Verse 2] Church bell rings, I don’t respond, words of faith feel long gone. I tell my folks “I’m good these days,” but it’s just smoke and social praise. [Chorus] Quiet valor, hollow grace, don’t let ‘em see the lines on your face. Carry light, don’t show the weight, they love the story, not the state. [Bridge] There’s a war they don’t televise, it hides behind well-trained eyes. Every cheer feels like disguise, so I just drive through open skies. [Final Chorus] Quiet valor, hollow grace, don’t let ‘em see the lines on your face. Tell them I’m proud, tell them I’m strong, but don’t ask me where I belong. [Outro] Some medals don’t shine anymore.