Lyrics

I’m Not Broken
Witten and arranged by Drew Dale
VERSE 1
I’m not broken —
Though I know that’s what some people think.
I came home standing, body whole,
But the training never lets you shrink.
Signed up young, they stripped me down,
Built me back with steady hands.
Taught me how to face the fire,
And stand my ground for my fellow man.

VERSE 2
We learned to move together,
Shoulder to shoulder through the storm.
When danger rose, we didn’t flinch,
We were battle‑ready, proud, and sworn.
But coming home is different —
No orders, no adrenaline roar.
Just a quieter life with the same old mates,
Still in uniform, still wanting more.

CHORUS
But I’m still standing strong —
Just a veteran with too many memories to name.
Yeah, the crowds, the noise, the smells,
Sometimes they hit me just the same.
They call it PTSD,
And maybe that’s the truth they see.
But I’m not broken — just a soldier
Still learning how to breathe.

VERSE 3
One day you’re in uniform,
Next day you’re wearing a civvy’s hat.
No one tells you how to change,
No one teaches you how to come back.
So you walk out on your own,
Try to find your place again.
But every instinct in your bones
Still thinks there’s danger round the bend.

CHORUS (repeat)
But I’m still standing strong —
Just a veteran with too many memories to name.
Yeah, the crowds, the noise, the smells,
Sometimes they hit me just the same.
They call it PTSD,
And maybe that’s the truth they see.
But I’m not broken — just a soldier
Still learning how to breathe.

BRIDGE
So if you see a digger standing tall
On ANZAC Day, proud and still…
Walk up, shake his hand,
Ask him if he’s doing well.
He might not say too much,
But your kindness means the world —
To a veteran finding his way back
In a world that’s moved on without him.

FINAL CHORUS
No, I’m still standing strong —
Just a heart that’s carried more than most will ever know.
I’m working on myself each day,
Learning when to hold on, when to let go.
Yeah, I’ve got scars you’ll never see,
But they’re part of what’s made me.
I’m not broken — I’m a veteran
Still learning how to stand strong again.

OUTRO
Still standing strong…
Just a soldier finding my way home again.


© 2026 Andrew Stephen Dale. All rights reserved.
Unauthorised copying, distribution, or use of these lyrics or musical materials is prohibited.