18, damned and defiant

Against the lies of this world I couldn't keep quiet

Off with my hair, I made my alliance

Not a show of fashion, but an act of defiance

I learned my lessons, and I learned them well

For every lesson there is a story to tell

While many claim to be true, only a few really are

With a false pretense in life you won't go very far





Pre-Chorus:

After all these years gone by, I think to myself

Was it all worth it?

The hardships, the anger, the dissapointment in some

Playing with life like it's a loaded gun





Chorus:

That was then this is now, that was then this is now

That was then this is now, that was then this is now

That was then this is now, that was then this is now

That was then this is now, that was then this is now





Ideals don't change, they only get stronger

If you can't figure right from wrong, you won't last longer

While some are like fire, they still flicker in the wind

When their flame burns out, their spark has given in

I can see your fire, and I know it exists in you

Be wise, be noble, and above all else be true

Follow your own steps, be your own leader

Because no one should be one for you





(Repeat Pre-Chorus)





(Repeat Chorus)





Don't judge a book by its cover until you see what is inside

Pages of pride, passion and sorrow,

Tales of a man with a message you'll find





Judge not by what others say, judge only by what you see

In a world governed by shackles and lies,

There are those that are truly free