Lyrics

Hand-me-down pads
Torn laces
Cold field
You spat in the dirt
Said
“Pain is how skin heals”
Shoved me down once
“Get up. Again.”
Blood on my chin
You laughed
Said
“Good. You’re in.”

Big brother
Blood and bone
You forged my heart from stone
Every bruise you gave
Became my armor plate
Big brother
Scar and smile
You made the struggle mine
I hear you in the roar
I was a kid
Now I’m the storm

Basement floor drills
Push-ups till I shook
You counted past ten
Never let me look
“Win it in training
And game day is light”
Your shadow was huge
I chased it every night

Big brother
Blood and bone
You forged my heart from stone
Every bruise you gave
Became my armor plate
Big brother
Scar and smile
You made the struggle mine
You turned my fear to fire
now when I run
I wear your wire

You wrapped my wrist
When I thought it was broken
Taped it tight
Said
“That’s how legends open”
Crowd in my ears
But I heard your shout
“Dig one more inch
Rip your limits out!”
(hey!)

Big brother
Blood and bone
You forged my heart from stone
Every curse you threw
Became my battle prayer
Big brother
Scar and smile
I’ve carried you each mile
I cross that finish line
(and when I stand)
You stand behind

Blood and bone
Heart of stone
Big brother made
My strength his own