I've clawed my way up
Dug myself out
Rising above
Because that's what it's about.

So many twists
And so many turns
Life is what you make it
You get what you earn

Paths can be taken
Roads can be avoided
Choices will be made
And mistakes exploited

If you go all in
Be prepared for all out
Prepare for battle
And struggles with doubt

What if's and could be's
Are destroyers of life
And what you cling to
In moments of strife

Where do you go
When the rungs of your ladder break?
Do you fight to continue
Or give up what's at stake?

Where there's a will there's a way
There's no such thing as luck
Better think of a way
To get yourself unstuck

Think around the problem
Try to climb but fall
Close your eyes and relax
And listen to their call

There's nothing but light
And a deafening sound again
They tell you you're alright
And medicate the pain

But something more is going on
Something no one can fix
They think it's an excuse,
An old dog learning new tricks

No one can explain
Or pinpoint what's wrong
There's no comfort or escape
Just the murderous melody of a song

A destructive tune
That constantly plays
Growing and taunting
A little more each day

"You tried and you failed"
The evil notes jest
"You can't make it
Even if you try your best"

The voices sing on
Like a chorus in your head
Causing you to shrivel
And wish you were dead

The what if's and could be's
Come back and linger
And you can't ask for help
No one would lift a finger

Exhausted and exposed
You sit in the dark
Playing with pills
From thoughts previously sparked

Tired of thinking
You want your mind at rest
You try to fight but fail
Even though you try your best...