Stay Grounded

Written by Martin Nethercutt
©2026 Ruth McCartney Music Publishing, BMI

The Clark Johnson Theme

Verse 1

I don’t pray to the sky, I watch the ground
Boots in the dirt when the lights go out
Seen men talk big, then freeze when it’s loud
Truth don’t whisper — it comes straight, no sound

Got a watch on my wrist from a life that’s gone
Ticks like a warning, keeps me strong
I don’t chase signs, don’t follow stars
I guard the fire while the dreamers talk

Pre-Chorus

They see visions
I see lines
Where the fence is breaking every time
They ask questions
I ask when
And who’s still breathing at the end

Chorus

I stay grounded when the world caves in
Hold the line when the myths wear thin
I don’t need faith to know what’s real
I protect the truth — I don’t kneel

Say what you want, believe what you say
Someone’s gotta stand watch through the grey
If we make it out, it won’t be clean
But it won’t be quiet —
And it won’t be a dream

Verse 2

Got scars I don’t talk about much
Learned early — hope cuts deep when it rushes
Drank just enough to forget the noise
Not enough to leave my post or my voice

They call me cold, say I don’t believe
I just don’t sell lies when the price is cheap
I’ve seen machines bleed human plans
And humans break faster than steel and sand

Bridge

I laugh ‘cause if I don’t, I crack
Humor’s just armor I never unpack
If the end’s coming, I’ll face it clear
With my back to the fire
And my people here

Chorus (Repeat)

I stay grounded when the world caves in
Hold the line when the myths wear thin
I don’t need faith to know what’s real
I protect the truth — I don’t kneel

Say what you want, believe what you say
Someone’s gotta stand watch through the grey
If we make it out, it won’t be clean
But it won’t be quiet —
And it won’t be a dream

Outro

I don’t believe in miracles
But I believe in us
And sometimes
That’s enough