[Verse 1] They put a boy in power armor Said "Son You’re one of us now" Rust flaked off like dead old promises Still I took the vow Marching for a banner I barely understood Chasing glory Chasing favor Out there in the poisoned mud [Chorus] I was just a scared kid in a steel cage Calling it courage Calling it brave Every lie they told I carved it in my chest Thought I was chosen Turns out I was possessed By a dream that never loved me Just a name sewn on my sleeve But I kept walking ’Cause I needed to believe [Verse 2] Met a girl in yellow Bright as sirens Didn’t know the world was ash She looked me in the eye like I was someone Not just metal Not just trash I lied about the rank on my shoulder Stood taller than I’d ever stood Funny how a stranger’s honest questions Cut deeper than a blade could [Chorus] I was just a scared kid in a steel cage Calling it courage Calling it brave Every lie I told I wore it like a crest Thought I was saving her Just trying my best For a dream that never loved me Just a word they made me bleed But I kept walking ’Cause I needed to believe [Bridge] I watched a legend crack and crumble A hero hollowed out by time Saw the "good guys" sell out brothers For a scrap of crooked shine And when the mask slipped from my captain He was smaller than his crown I learned kingdoms built on bodies Look real tall ’til you look down [Verse 3] Still I held that woman’s picture Like a lantern in my hand Through the dust Through all the double-cross She was the only honest land If I burned for every falsehood Guess I’d glow enough to see How a broken knight A vault-born stranger Might still find the man in me [Chorus] I was just a scared kid in a steel cage Calling it courage Calling it brave Now the armor’s scarred And I can feel my breath I ain’t their chosen one I’m just what’s left Of a dream that never loved me Of a war I didn’t choose But I’ll keep walking With the truth I almost lost But didn’t lose [Outro] So here I stand in rust and red armor Not a saint Not a machine If I get one more tomorrow I’ll try to be the man She thought she’d seen
