Frank Hein - Thirty Years after College Lyrics

I studied hard and earned my stripes,
Built dreams from scratch, lived many lives.
Twice married, love's lessons learned,
My company soared, then fell, then returned.

Faced darkness in clinics, depression, and stress,
Anxiety's grip was a silent, tough test.
But I rose each time, stronger, ready to fight,
Now watching the rise of the right with fright.

This life I've built through joy and pain,
A testament not just to survive, but sustain.
I stand with my fears as shadows loom large,
Determined to live, to lead, to take charge.

In battles fought and lessons earned,
From every fall, a wisdom discerned.
Friends and foes, all came and went,
Each played a part, each moment spent.

I speak out loud, but my voice feels strained,
Against the tide, my strength is drained.
For every hope that's dashed, dreams delayed,
I face the future, tired, dismayed.

I speak out loud, but my voice feels strained,
Against the tide, my strength is drained.
For every hope that's dashed, dreams delayed,
I face the future, tired, dismayed.

Three children I cherish, their futures unclear,
What world awaits them? I shudder in fear.
Will they face darkness as I did before?
Will they find peace, or be lost in the roar?

The shadows grow longer, the fight feels so hard,
But for them, I stand firm, though I'm battle-scarred.
I wonder, will they rise, or be caught in the fray?
This burden I carry, each and every day.

This life I've built through joy and pain,
A testament not just to survive, but sustain.
I stand with my fears as shadows loom large,
Determined to live, though the future feels charged.