1. Tough (as They Come)
War: an explosion. A man lives —“tough as they come.”
An Afganistan war veteran survives an an explosion—taking limbs but not his love of life. He uncovers his courage, through God’s mercy and the love and support of his family. He discovers he is tough as they come.
Some time ago, I heard a general say, “it is not the steel in his hand, but the steel in the man.” I tucked this away in my mind, filed under pathos, sagacity, discerning and profound. Some time later I was inspired by an interview with a soldier that had lost all four limbs to roadside bomb. Profound again. Travis Mills was winsome, positive and challenging, so I bought his book “Tough as They Come” and The Topcoats read it together. I wrote the song for all those who come back from war, weary in soul and/or physically hurting.
The Chorus came fast and furious, and it fit immediately with the “steel” figure. The verses came more slowly and rationally, since the last verse was for every hurting soldier. The bridge "be strong…” is a restatement of a Bible verse, Joshua 1:9; the same verse that inspired Travis, and I thought it could certainly apply to any person needing encouragement.
So be strong. Keep your nerve. Unchain your courage. Lock down that fear —
God is near, step by step, every hour, all the way.
Jim & The Topcoats
