[Verse 1] I was young and mean With a full tank of pride Ran fast through the doorways Left tears in my stride There was a girl in the mirror With a child in her arms I said, "I’ll be fine" Then I broke both our hearts [Pre-Chorus] Now the years got kinder And the nights got long I see their faces clearer When the house goes quiet and cold [Chorus] Ashes in my hands Can’t wash them clean Ashes in my hands Still haunting me I got a good life now But I still can’t stand Ashes in my hands Ashes in my hands (in my hands) [Verse 2] I’ve got a porch and a garden And a name that don’t shake Got a woman who loves me For the man I became But some kids never knew me Just the door that I closed And I hear my old footsteps In the blood of my bones [Pre-Chorus] Now the years got kinder And the nights got long I see their faces clearer When the house goes quiet and cold [Chorus] Ashes in my hands Can’t wash them clean Ashes in my hands Still haunting me I got a good life now But I still can’t stand Ashes in my hands Ashes in my hands (in my hands) [Bridge] If I could turn that river I’d wade back through the flame Lay my shame down easy Say each name To the woman I left behind To the children I never held I’d trade this peace I’m living Just to mend what I failed [Chorus] Ashes in my hands Can’t wash them clean Ashes in my hands Still haunting me I got a good life now But I still can’t stand Ashes in my hands Ashes in my hands (in my hands) [Outro] If mercy has a doorway I’m knocking soft tonight Ashes in my hands Still reaching for the light
