[Verse 1] I know my hands Know what they broke Know how they shake When I get close I wear my years Like a torn-up coat Some days it fits Some days it chokes [Pre-Chorus] I used to run From every bruise Now I can name What shaped the truth And I won't hide What made me mean I turn that weight Into something clean [Chorus] I am who I am For better, for worse (I am who I am) Still I try to be first To leave a light on When I feel the hurt (I am who I am) But I choose the work [Verse 2] There are ghosts in me That learned to stay Old panic talks In a loud old way But I can pause Before I swing I can be kind Without pretending [Pre-Chorus] I used to think That meant I'd lose If I didn't keep My armor glued Now I can bend Without a bend I can be rough And still make amends [Chorus] I am who I am For better, for worse (I am who I am) Still I try to be first To leave a light on When I feel the hurt (I am who I am) But I choose the work [Bridge] If I got hurt It left its mark If I got sharp I learned in the dark So I take that fire And hold it low Not to burn us But help us grow [Final Chorus] I am who I am For better, for worse (I am who I am) Still I try to be first To leave a light on When I feel the hurt (I am who I am) But I choose the work I am who I am And I won't desert (I am who I am) The tender in the dirt Old scars, new hands Still making it worth (I am who I am) To choose the good first
