They stare when I walk in,
I feel it in the room
Ink on my skin like I brought bad news
Runes on my arms, I don’t hide ‘em anymore
Funny how symbols scare people more than war

They ask what I believe
Like they’re keepin’ score
Like I owe an answer just to walk through the door
I’ve been quiet, I’ve been patient, I’ve heard it all before
But I’m tired of explainin’ who I am to the bored

I don’t knock your church
I don’t spit on your cross
So don’t tell me I’m broken
Just ‘cause I chose a different path

Call me pagan, say what you want
I’ve carried this weight, yeah I’ve paid that cost
You preach love, then you sharpen the blade
Ain’t no hate like the love you claim

Call me lost, say I’m wrong
But I stand right here, still standin’ strong
I don’t need your fear or your grace
I walk my road - I know my place

I’m not angry at God, I’m angry at men
Who use his name just to judge again
Smile in public, venom in private
Act holy, but your heart stays violent

My tattoos tell stories older than shame
Before your rules, before guilt had a name
I don’t wear ‘em for shock, I wear ‘em ‘cause they’re true
They remind me where I come from - not what I’m supposed to do

You don’t know my fight
You don’t know my nights
So keep your salvation
I’ve survived my life

Call me pagan, call me damned
Still more honest than your handshake plans
You say love, but it feels like hate
Wrapped in scripture, justified rage

Call me wild, say I fell
But I don’t need heaven to escape hell
I don’t bow, I don’t fake
I walk my road - I know my place

I’m not lookin’ for a war
I just want to be left alone
But if you push, don’t act surprised
When I stand my ground

I don’t hate you
I’m just done explainin’ myself

Call me pagan, I’ll still sleep
With a clear damn conscience, soul intact, feet deep
Your love shouldn’t hurt this way
But it does - every damn day

Call me pagan, say my name
I’ve bled for this life, I’ve stood in the flame
I don’t need your fear or your faith
I walk my road - and I’m okay

I know who I am.
That’s enough.