“Still Standing, Man” — Zack’s Perspective

[Verse I — First Impressions] [(bright guitar riff)] Yeah, I heard the stories way before we met Silver legend, perfect threat Every SOLDIER tried to walk your line Didn’t think you’d ever look behind You stood like gravity obeyed you Didn’t laugh, didn’t bend So I figured somebody somewhere Needed to call you friend You didn’t know what to do with that Honestly? Kinda funny. [Pre-Chorus] [(music softens)] Under all that silence I saw a guy just tired of fighting alone. [Chorus — Camaraderie] [(full band kicks in)] Hey — you’re still standing, man After everything that tried to break you down Yeah, you fell farther than most ever can But you’re still here right now You don’t gotta carry every ghost Like the world’s all yours to save Sometimes redemption just means Choosing to stay brave [Verse II — Lifestream] [(piano joins, reflective)] Funny place, the Lifestream is Strips away the lies you live Saw you there without the armor Just a guy who didn’t know how to forgive You asked questions nobody heard Like you were scared of the reply And that’s when I knew the big bad General Was just another guy trying not to die So yeah, I tease you — somebody’s gotta. [Pre-Chorus II] [(gentler)] You act like caring’s weakness But I’ve seen the way you look at your kid. [Chorus — Respect] [(bigger, hopeful)] Hey — you’re still standing, man Not the weapon they designed before You’re learning things no battle plan Ever taught you in a war You don’t need to be a hero Don’t need to win alone Sometimes saving the future Means finally coming home [Bridge — Honest Truth] [(music drops, sincere)] Yeah, we fought once. Yeah, I hated you too. But we were both just soldiers Trying to survive someone else’s rules. Second chances aren’t fair — Trust me, I know. That’s why you don’t waste ’em. [Bridge II — Humor Returns] [(light guitar)] Also? You worry too much. Kid’s fine. You’re doing okay. Don’t tell anyone I said that. [Final Chorus — Brotherhood] [(arena-rock lift, choir backing)] You’re still standing, man And that’s enough for me Not a legend, not a villain Just who you choose to be If the past comes crashing down again I’ll be right there too — ’Cause nobody walks redemption Without somebody pulling through [Outro] [(guitar fades warm)] C’mon, Sephiroth. Try smiling once in a while. You’re allowed now.