[Verse 1]
They say I was fearless, first to jump
Heart like fire, never gave up
They paint me like I was born to lead
But I don’t remember that bein’ me

[Verse 2]
They talk like I held the line
Held my ground every time
But I was lost and scared as hell
Just hid it where no one could tell

[Chorus]
I wish I was him — the one they see
The hometown kid they say I’d be
But that ain’t the man I see inside
He’s a little more broke, a little more tired
I smile and nod, let ‘em believe
But I wish I was him — not just in their memories

[Verse 3]
Jake says I saved his life one night
Truth is, I barely stayed in the fight
They all say I was built strong
But I ain’t felt that way in so damn long

[Chorus]
I wish I was him — the one they see
The guy who never hit his knees
But that ain’t the man I see inside
He’s a little more cracked, a little less pride
I smile and nod, let ‘em believe
But I wish I was him — not just in their memories

[Outro]
Maybe they need me to be that guy
And maybe I do too, sometimes

[Chorus]
I wish I was him — the one they see
The hometown kid they say I’d be
But that ain’t the man I see inside
He’s a little more cracked, a little more tired
I smile and nod, let ‘em believe
But I wish I was him — not just in their memories

[Outro]
Maybe they need me to be that guy
And maybe I do too, sometimes

I Wish I Was Him

I’m JD Hodge — Oklahoma-born, red dirt-raised, and songwriting for over 30 years.

In 2024, I flatlined on an operating table. Cardiac arrest. Everything changed.

When I came back, the words came with me — like they’d been waiting their turn. Since then, the songs haven’t stopped. I write what’s real: struggle, hope, grit, and grace — stories meant to be felt.

You’ll hear pieces of my past, my people, and the kind of heartland truth you can’t fake. These songs aren’t just mine — they’re for anyone who’s fought through silence and still found a voice.

Retired • Lyricist • Country • Americana • Acoustic Soul
Oklahoma, USA

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