I work in mental health and I’ve struggled with my own, so this song wound up being more for myself than anyone! But it’s FAWM so any song is a win.
It’s really about recognising negative self-talk and when you beat yourself up; tracing back some of the origins and recognising that you’re repeating the opinions of people who aren’t worth remembering.
Self-compassion is key.
V1
You can’t hold me back
You’ve succeeded far too long
But now I feel it rising
The power’s in the song
Those unkind words you spoke
How did they become my own
Well I’m throwing out those words today
I’m tidying up my home
CHORUS
Leave dead things dead and don’t stop to doubt
These pitiful people will pull you right down
Remember the memories eating your mind
Before cleaning shop and claiming back time
V2
I’m the king in here
You don’t get to rule
I’m making space for me these days
And throwing out the tools
You might have won a battle
But this war’s mine for sure
You run back where you came from
You don’t belong here anymore
CHORUS
Leave dead things dead and don’t stop to doubt
These pitiful people will pull you right down
Remember the memories eating your mind
Before cleaning shop and claiming back time
BRIDGE
You can’t hide here any longer I recognise your words
The same ones I’ve internalised and continued to rehearse
The words I once believed were true I’m seeing are absurd
They come from you, and they were rotten back when they were heard
CHORUS
Leave dead things dead and don’t stop to doubt
These pitiful people will pull you right down
Remember the memories eating your mind
Before cleaning shop and claiming back time
V3/OUTRO
Kindness, self-compassion
It takes a while to master
But if I throw you off the boat
Then I’ll get there so much faster
Kindness, self-compassion
It takes a while to master
But if I cleanse myself your attacks
Then I’ll get there so much faster
@berni1954 Mar 2022
My comment on Medusa is equally relevant here, only you have cleverly illuminated how the mechanism of oppression is often wired by society into our minds. We become our own jailers as we psychologically put our own chains around our feet and accept that somehow we deserve every bad thing that happens to us.
A fine lyic that is crying out for a tune.
@sheslin Mar 2022
You song makes me think of the saying - you live in your mind, it should be a nice place to live in. Also, it makes me think of the comments we hear over the years and what we retain - which is often the most extreme - both positive and negative, and it is super hard to push those negative remarks out of your head. This song is a great message for the negative self talk in all of us. It sounds like it was cathartic to write - and I bet it will feel even better once you set it to music. Really nice write Nate.
@richaaaay Mar 2022
Nate, you are awesome!!! You are deserving of all the kindness and self-compassion there is. Reading these lyrics makes me think you are telling yourself all the proper things…and others too.
@wacha Feb 2022
These are beautiful lyrics and a very important message for many to hear. I struggle with my mental health a lot and can definitely relate to your words here. You've done a wonderful job tackling a rather difficult subject matter firmly but not harshly.
@colgoo Feb 2022
Oh….I absolutely adore that chorus. Really great write!
@katestantonsings Feb 2022
"These pitiful people will pull you right down". I like how you acknowledge the other side. We should have pity on those who treat people poorly, but not allow them in our headspace. It's a struggle! Kudos to you for working in mental health. Massive kudos for writing such thoughtful lyrics! I hope to hear it set to music soon because the lyrics sing off the screen in my head.
@davidtaro Feb 2022
Testify. Excellently put too. I particularly enjoyed the image of you chucking negative emotions over the side of the boat so you can get where you’re going faster. You’re bad ass!!