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