Flawed and Free

Tried to walk it straight—

But stayed off course.

Did some things I’d regret, if I could feel remorse.

My clothes was pressed, but my soul wasn’t clean—

Played the saint, but I was hard and mean.

I played with fire, danced in the flames.

Buried my sins, without knowing their names.

But if I could be anyone, I’d still be me—

Crooked and scarred, flawed but free.

I’ve kissed too many, and broke a few,

Got away clean, like I always do.

I’ve been torn up more than I ever tore down,

Still the ghosts remain, all around.

I played with fire, and danced in the flames,

Buried my sins, never learned their names.

But if I could be anyone, I’d still be me—

Crooked and scarred, flawed and free.

I’ve paid in blood and caused some to spill,

When I’d walk in a room—

You could feel the chill.

Don’t preach to me, don’t ask

Me to kneel—

I ain’t holy—

I’m far more real.

I’ve lied through my teeth, broke folks who cared,

My truth is a beast when it’s laid out bare.

I ain’t pure, and I ain’t clean—

Got a devil inside with an angel’s dream.

I’ve played with fire, and danced in the flames,

Let go of guilt, Let go of the blame.

If I could be anyone, I’d still be me—

Battled and broken, it’s what makes me, me.

No apologies, no second thoughts—

Earned ‘it all, I’ve reaped what I sought.

I’m a guilty man but I sleep just fine—

Just being me, is doing hard time.