Verse
Em
To my younger self, I'm writing you from 2012
G
It's not high school that is killing me, it's my mental health
Em
Know you struggle now but brace yourself for these few years of hell
B N.C.
You'll paint a smile every day but every night, you'll pray for help
Em
Wish there was something that I could do to save you from what's coming
G
You might be a soldier, but know that your demons built an army
Em
And they're taking over now, all I see through my tears is black
B Em
Tell mom and dad I love them, but I have to go, no turning back
[Pre-Chorus]
G
And I know that your heart is aching
Em
I know that you don't know why
G
And you can't stop your hands from shaking
Now you want to die
[Chorus]
Em
If I could tell you everything I know now
G
I'd tell you that the darkness always fades out
Em
In the end, the light will emerge with no doubt
B
You just gotta keep going, baby, don't back down
Em
If I could tell you everything I know now
G
I'd tell you that the darkness always fades out
Em
In the end, the light will emerge with no doubt
B
You just gotta keep going, baby, don't back down
[Verse 2]
Em
To my younger self, I'm writing you from 2020
G
You made it through the war and woke up to a new beginning
Em
You graduated college
B
Mom and dad are both so proud that you rose up from the ashes
Em
F# survivor, you are now
Em
How I wish I could write to the girl back in 2012
G
And send her all the light to find her way without losing herself
Em
And show her all the things she'll miss
B
If she don't get a second chance
Em
Thank God I'm here today to tell you that you'll make it through the black
[Pre-Chorus]
Em G
And I know that your heart was aching
Em
I know that you put up a fight
G
From making it through all the breaking
B
Now you feel alive
[Chorus]
Em
If I could tell you everything I know now
G
I'd tell you that the darkness always fades out
Em
In the end, the light will emerge with no doubt
B
You just gotta keep going, baby, don't back down
Em
If I could tell you everything I know now
G
I'd tell you that the darkness always fades out
Em
In the end, the light will emerge with no doubt
B Em
You just gotta keep going, baby, don't back down