"The Shield" lyrics

Hands wrapped around
My blade gilded by shame
It cuts me too, but still I swing
It's not the right device
This won't suffice, I have to sacrifice
Cutting with the pain I wield
It's not enough to pick up the shield

I saved myself, but not the ones I love
Who's protecting them from me
It has to end
I have to bend
To break for their sakes

Drowning in the guilt I feel
Cutting with the pain I wield
Never strong enough to heal
Searching through myself for something real
Will you complete me
Why can't you see me
It's more than I need

I've seen the same things
In the brother, I never held
Father, I never felt
In myself

Strength enough to pull
Blood from stone, but not blood from ashes
Your second death happens when these marks fade
Though I'm not strong enough to heal
I'm strong enough to hold the shield

Drowning in the guilt I feel
Cutting with the pain I wield
Never strong enough to heal
Searching through myself for something real
Will you complete me
Why can't you see me
It's more than I need

I was born for something
I can feel it in my bones
What is this that's coursing through me
I can't bring it home

Cutting with the pain I wield
Strong enough to hold the shield
Even though my fate is sealed
All of this to test my steel