Real Man
Martin Sexton Lyrics


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In a workin' man's dream. I found my simple truth
There in the dark on the top of my roof
As the city's blue sound swept up from down under
Heat lightening flashed. Got me to wonder

Are the troubles that life has seen fit to give me
There to regret or there to remind me
I'm real. I'm a real man.

For so many years I believed I was broken
So medicine sweet and the leaves I was smoking
Told me I was strong, righteous and firm
But only if I comply and stay in the terms

With the deal made between weakness and shame
To shelter me from the price of my pain
I'm real. I'm a real man , yes I am.

And I'll do everything a man possibly can
To make a difference
I'll save my soul if you give me the chance
I'll rectify my dreams if you let me see my way clear

As I thank my higher power for all that she'd done
I sing to the water towers and to the rising sun
For every woman or car crash that ever broke me in two




For showing me that there's always a way through
And that I'm a real man, yes I am.

Overall Meaning

The song "Real Man" by Martin Sexton is a powerful introspection on personal identity and one's struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The lyrics describe the singer's realization of his true worth and his journey towards self-acceptance. The song starts in the dream-like state where he finds his "simple truth". He then moves on top of the roof where he witnesses the city’s sound and heat lightning, a symbol of hope.


Sexton beautifully captures the desperation and confusion of someone struggling with addiction and uncertainty. He paints a picture of a man who has been lost for years, seeking solace in drugs and medication. But in the end, it is his acknowledgment of his unique experiences, his pain and overcoming them that enable him to accept himself - as a real man. The lyrics are a powerful reminder that authenticity, perseverance, and growth require facing struggles and overcoming them.


Overall, Martin Sexton's "Real Man" is a song about self-discovery and the journey towards becoming truly authentic. It's about understanding that healing and redemption come from within and that each person has value, regardless of their struggles in life.


Line by Line Meaning

In a workin' man's dream. I found my simple truth
I discovered my true self and what really matters to me, which is something that resonates with the working class.


There in the dark on the top of my roof
I had an epiphany while alone on my roof, away from the noise and distractions of the city.


As the city's blue sound swept up from down under
I felt the energy and rhythm of the city, which was both overwhelming and inspiring.


Heat lightening flashed. Got me to wonder
I saw lightening in the distance, which made me contemplate the challenges and uncertainties of life.


Are the troubles that life has seen fit to give me
I questioned the problems and difficulties that I've faced in life, which have helped shape who I am.


There to regret or there to remind me
I wondered if my struggles were meant to be regrets or lessons that I could learn from.


I'm real. I'm a real man.
Despite my flaws and imperfections, I know that I am authentic and true to myself.


For so many years I believed I was broken
I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt for a long time.


So medicine sweet and the leaves I was smoking
I used drugs and other self-destructive behaviors to try to escape my problems.


Told me I was strong, righteous and firm
These vices gave me a false sense of strength and confidence, which was only temporary.


But only if I comply and stay in the terms
I had to continue to indulge in these behaviors to maintain this sense of confidence and self-worth.


With the deal made between weakness and shame
My reliance on drugs and other negative behaviors was a shameful agreement I made with myself because I felt weak.


To shelter me from the price of my pain
These behaviors were a coping mechanism to avoid facing the pain and hardships that I endured.


I'm real. I'm a real man , yes I am.
Even though I made mistakes and struggled with addiction, I know that I am genuine and true to myself.


And I'll do everything a man possibly can
I am committed to making a positive impact in the world and being the best version of myself that I can be.


To make a difference
I want my actions to have a positive impact on others and bring about change in the world.


I'll save my soul if you give me the chance
I am willing to do whatever it takes to improve myself and become a better person, even if it means confronting my demons.


I'll rectify my dreams if you let me see my way clear
I am determined to pursue my aspirations and make them a reality, but I need clarity and guidance to do so.


As I thank my higher power for all that she'd done
I am grateful to a higher power for helping me overcome my struggles and find my path in life.


I sing to the water towers and to the rising sun
I express my gratitude and joy by singing and rejoicing to the world around me.


For every woman or car crash that ever broke me in two
I acknowledge the people and events that have hurt me in the past and caused me pain.


For showing me that there's always a way through
Despite the hardships and difficulties, I have learned that there is always hope and a way forward.


And that I'm a real man, yes I am.
In the face of adversity and setbacks, I know that I am still true to myself and can overcome anything that comes my way.




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