[Intro – Heavy riff + strained vocals] They don’t know me… [Verse 1] Walking down the aisle, minding my own grind Someone sees the tan skin and loses their mind Spits out assumptions like they know who I am But I stand there steady, I don’t play their game I could’ve lost it, could’ve let it all go But I thought of my wife and the peace we both know Handled it calm, finished what I came for Showed up as a man… walked right out the door [Pre-Chorus] I don’t need their approval… I know who I am… [Chorus] I stand tall! Through the ignorance and the noise Won’t let small minds steal my peace or my joy Stand tall! Even when the words cut deep I hold my head high… I don’t lose any sleep This is my skin, this is my blood, this is my fight I earned every scar, every mile, every night Stand tall… yeah I stand tall No matter what they throw… I don’t fall [Verse 2] I’ve been the kid who didn’t know any better But I grew up learning, trying to do much better Some folks never learn, still stuck in their ways Throwing hate at strangers on ordinary days I could’ve swung hard, could’ve made him pay But real strength ain’t always on display I chose the higher road, kept my cool inside Proved I’m bigger than the moment, bigger than their pride [Bridge – Building intensity to full scream] I’m tired of the assumptions… tired of the game! But I won’t let their darkness put out my flame! So hear me now… [Final Chorus – Explosive screaming / wailing] I stand tall!!! Through the ignorance and the noise! Won’t let small minds steal my peace or my joy! Stand tall!!! Even when the words cut deep I hold my head high… I don’t lose any sleep! This is my skin, this is my blood, this is my fight I earned every scar, every mile, every night Stand tall… yeah I stand tall No matter what they throw… I NEVER FALL! [Outro – Soaring guitar + raw ad-libs] Stand tall… Yeah I stand tall… Still here… Still standing…
