Song Description

Lesson of life...mine...

Lyrics

"All Part of the Ride"
(Alt: "The Life I Lived," "What a Man Learns," or "Never Just a Job")
Written and Composed by Yves Stilmant © 2025

Verse 1A
I've cleaned up messes that I didn't make
Stayed up all night just for someone's sake
Worked my hands 'til they cracked and bled
Still tucked my daughters into bed
Verse 1B
Paid my dues in quiet ways
Bit my tongue more times than I can say
Held my wife when the storms came in
Made mistakes, then tried again

Pre-Chorus
It ain't a cross, it ain't a chain
It's just the heart behind my name
Not a duty, not a debt
Just a life I won't forget

Chorus
It's the bills, the tears, the overtime
The Sunday laughs, the uphill climb
It's the joy and mess all side by side
It's not always easy -- but it's mine
Every scar, every mile
Is all part of the ride

Verse 2A
Lost a few friends along the way
Learned who'd leave and who would stay
Said goodbye to dreams I knew
But found a few that still came true
Verse 2B
Watched my girls become their own
Found some peace when I was alone
Fell apart and pulled it back
Got no map -- just stayed on track

Pre-Chorus
There's no manual, no clear plan
Just a worn and grateful man
Ain't no crown, but still I stand
With dirt and music on my hands

Chorus
It's the fights, the hugs, the sleepless nights
The wedding dance, the morning light
It's the songs I sing to ease my mind
It's not always perfect -- but it's mine
Every scar, every mile
Is all part of the ride

Bridge
And when it's time to close the door
I'll know what I was livin' for
Not for fame, not for pride
But for love that stayed alive

Final Chorus
It's the pain, the peace, the long goodbyes
The quiet hope in tired eyes
It's the truth I never tried to hide
This was my story -- and it's mine
Every scar, every mile
It's all part of the ride

Outro
Yeah, it's all part of the ride
Still drivin' with my heart open wide