Keep the Wolves at Bay

(Inspired vibe: “Keep the Wolves Away” — family struggle; twist: soldier trying to protect his family from his trauma)Topic: Protecting loved ones from the darkness insideTone: Heavy, gritty, emotional*
Verse 1
I hear them scratching at the edge of night,Old memories with teeth, ready to bite.They prowl through dreams and waking fears,Whispering names, dragging old years.I sit on the porch when the house is still,Lighting a smoke, fighting the chill.My girl inside soft as morning dew—She don’t know how much I shield from view.
Verse 2
I’ve seen wolves overseas in a different form—Men turned monsters by a perfect storm.Sand and fire, blood and bone,Battles fought far from home.Now the wolves live in my head and chest—Clawing, growling, stealing rest.But I’ll be damned if they reach my kin—I’ll keep them out, I won’t let them in.
Pre-Chorus
I ain’t afraid of the ghosts in me—I’m afraid they’ll touch my family.
Chorus
So I keep the wolves at bay,Stand guard through every night and day.They can tear at me, but not at her—I’ll face the dark for all we were.If the wolves come howling loud,I’ll rise up strong, I’ll stand my ground.Yeah… I’ll keep the wolvesFar, far away.
Bridge
Some battles ain’t fought with guns—They’re fought in silence till the morning comes.

* Instruments: Slide guitar, baritone electric, heavy toms, low violin