The Way I Talk Now

(Vibe: “The Way I Talk” — identity; twist: soldier changed by war)Tone: Proud, gritty, deeply personal**
Verse 1
Folks back home say I talk changed,Like the war rearrangedEvery word that leaves my mouth—Little more gravel, little more south.I pause more now before I speak,’Cause I’ve seen things that can break the weak.And when I say “brother,” I mean for life—Not just buddies from Friday nights.
Verse 2
I say “I’m good” even when I’m not,’Cause pride’s a curse I never forgot.I talk in stories built on truth,Carry the weight of fallen youth.Every “yes, sir” comes from a placeWhere discipline carved itself on my face.It ain’t an accent—it's a history carvedBy sleepless nights and battles starred.
Pre-Chorus
If my words sound rugged and rough—Just means I’ve lived enough.
Chorus
This is the way I talk now,Learned from dust and solemn vows.Every phrase is a piece of me—A soldier’s past, a soldier’s plea.If my truth hits hard somehow—It’s just the wayI talk now.
Bridge
War changes your voice—But healing gives it purpose.

* Instruments: Baritone guitar, stomps, claps, growling electric