I Outlived the Man I Was

Another year gone ghost on me, Left its boots by my front door. I watched it fade like cigarette smoke, Same as all the men I was before. Time’s a thief with iron teeth, Takes a bite of every dawn… But somehow I keep walkin’, Long after all the light is gone.

I outlived the man I was, Buried him beneath my dust. The years keep tryin’ to break me, But I crawl out of every rust. There’s blood in every sunrise, But I greet it without pause— ’Cause hell ain’t scared to meet me… And I outlived the man I was.

The mirror shows a stranger now, Wrinkles carved like bullet trails. Every scar a quiet sermon ’Bout the times I should’ve failed. But bones don’t bend for memory, And regret don’t own my name… I’ve burned a dozen versions of me— And walked away from every flame.

I outlived the man I was, Left him where the shadows buzz. The past keeps diggin’ hollows, But I fill ’em up with dust. Let the reaper read my story, He’ll find more grit than flaws— ’Cause death rides slow behind me… And I outlived the man I was.

Maybe time ain’t mercy, Maybe fate ain’t kind… But every broken version Built the steel inside my spine. If tomorrow comes to claim me, It can take what life once was… But it won’t take the fire In the man I’ve now become.

I outlived the man I was, Turned my losses into laws. I don’t fear the clock that hunts me, I don’t bow to heaven’s cause. If the reaper wants a showdown, He’ll find me standin’ just because— A new year ain’t forgiveness… But I outlived the man I was.

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