mai 21, 2006

still got me.

i wrote this song a few years ago for someone going through a rough patch (and before you ask, no: it was not someone i was dating; his romantic affections did not tend towards persons of my gender); i wanted to give him something to hold on to--a message that i was here for him, that i would never let him fall through the cracks, that someone cared about him, that he had an ally. it wasn't much, but it was all i had. ironically, he decided that he had no use for me as a human being before i ever got to play it for him.

despite that, and despite the fact that it never makes it into a setlist, it remains one of my favorite songs, a soothing balm for a bad day. i think, anyway. it alternately fills me with hope and makes me cry, because i remember exactly how i felt when i wrote it, how i really would have done anything, turned myself inside out, to take away some of his hurt; because sometimes i feel lost and wish someone had written it for me. it's not the best song in the world, but it is heartfelt, and it is something everyone needs to be reminded of from time to time.

this has been a hard year for a lot of people. if you count yourself among that number, this is for you.

Still Got Me (please be kind, it's late and i didn't have the energy to make a better recording)

breathe in, breathe out
that's one more day you've made it through
i know it's hard but that's just what you've got to do
i know that it's hard now
but you can make it through

what's it going to take for you to listen when i say
this is not the worst decision you could possibly have made?
i know the days are short now and it's getting hard to see
exactly how much better for you things are going to be
hold on a little longer and i promise you will see
until that day comes round
you've still got me

i know this isn't quite what you had bargained for
this place, so cold, i see you looking for the door
you try to, i won't let you
lose your way so easily

what's it going to take for you to listen when i say
this is not the worst decision you could possibly have made
i know the days are short now and it's getting hard to see
exactly how much better for you things are going to be
hold on a little longer, you'll have everything you need
till that day comes round

i will be your shelter
i will get you through the night
i will be your strength when you've got nothing left to fight with
i will be your beacon
i'll always guide you home
you're not in this alone

what's it going to take for you to listen when i say
this is not the worst decision you could possibly have made?

things are going to get better. please just hold on a little longer.

Posted by shivery at mai 21, 2006 06:39 AM
Comments

that is a really sweet song. you have a beautiful voice. i had never heard you sing before. maybe one of these days i can make it down for a show when i come see conrad. hope you are well.

Posted by: the miller at mai 22, 2006 01:42 AM

God damn, it still gives me goosebumps.

Posted by: biscuit at mai 22, 2006 05:39 AM

That is a beautiful song.

Posted by: M at mai 23, 2006 04:36 PM

beautiful. when are you going to take your show to England so us deprived souls can have a piece of that brilliance?

Posted by: nu. at juin 14, 2006 03:01 PM

in theory i'll be in London for work at the end of July; if you can find me a venue and a guitar, i'll bring the tunes and the charming american accent!

Posted by: shivery at juin 16, 2006 03:58 PM