Coward's Son

Raised my rifle, swung for stars
Stole some falcon's wings
Yeah, my city wears a rusty heart
But my oh my, it's beating still

Age-old tales I whisper slowly
Once were colored juvenile
You lay down your axe and hold me
I'll confess my wicked smile
Afraid of being terrified

Fall like feathers, rest like stones
I adore you none
For I am not some kingless throne
I am not a coward's son

Dare I chance it, dare I gamble?
Shiver now, my fractious skin
Fortune-free and empty-handed
I say a riskless life ain't worth a thing
Useless as a wedding ring

I will claim my history
And I will lose my battles not
And I'll take what is meant for me
Beneath each wild onslaught
I will live with what I've got