John Anderson Poet Lyric

Notes About The Poem

Inspired by the song "Warriors" by Imagine Dragons 
"Here we are, don't turn away now (Don't turn away)
We are the warriors that built this town (This town)
From dust"

Listen to poem:

Beyond the Warrior’s Sword

As a child, I watched from afar, and dreamed of getting the call.
While others chased the moment, I prepared to risk it all.
Dreams hit hard, when you're staring on the wall,
Train your hands, stand your ground, get ready for it all.

BUILD IT UP! BUILD IT LOUD!
Raise it high above the crowd!
Fists may fight and kingdoms fall—
What we build survives us all!

The road grew steep and tested, every step I made.
Each scar became the price, that stubborn courage paid.
You never prove your strength by claiming you're the best.
The hammer meets the anvil—then the iron takes the test.

I raised one stone, then someone laid another down.
Until our separate hands became the bones of town.
Walls mean nothing if they only shut us in.
Build the doors, and let the wider world come in.

BUILD IT UP! BUILD IT LOUD!
Raise it high above the crowd!
Fists may fight and kingdoms fall—
What we build survives us all!

So judge me not by the enemies I've driven to the ground.
But by the doors I've opened, and the homes I've found.
For victory rings hollow, when the fighting's done—
A warrior counts what he has built, not the battles he has won.

Leave a bridge, leave a shelter, leave a name.
Leave more standing, than you ever fed the flame.
When the dust settles, and silence fills the fields,
Warriors rely not on the sword—but on what their building yields.

BUILD IT UP! BUILD IT LOUD!
Raise it high above the crowd!
Fists may fight and kingdoms fall—
What we build survives us all!

BUILD IT UP! BUILD IT LOUD!
Raise it high above the crowd!
Fists may fight and kingdoms fall—
What we build survives us all!

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Lin Lane September 8, 2026 at 9:08 AM You've written some exceedingly powerful lines in your lyrics, John. Spreading the gallant news of fighting for what must be guarded and/or taken with strength but then delivering the offered words of reconciliation. Build it up with the words, "Leave a bridge, leave a shelter, leave a name./Leave more standing, than you ever fed the flame./When the dust settles, and silence fills the fields/Warriors rely not on the sword—but on what their building yields." Put to best use in your choice of music! John Anderson September 8, 2026 at 9:50 AM Thanks very much for the feedback - which I really appreciated. The sentiments are in the original song

Daniel Henry Rodgers September 8, 2026 at 6:08 AM Hello John, as I read, I thought your poem carries the kind of grit that doesn’t shout; it builds. I love how you turn the warrior inward, away from the clash and toward the craft, doors, bridges, homes, a life that outlasts noise. It certainly shows A=a strength measured not by conquest, but by what is left standing because you cared enough to make it. It’s powerful work, John. Blessings, Daniel John Anderson September 8, 2026 at 9:51 AM Songs are a lot of fun - Thanks very much for your comments. All the Best and Cheers.