One thing about me that you probably know if you follow me on Twitter or read this blog, is that I am a lover of music. It’s a passion, it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here today without it.
I am a proud rocker and metal head; I have been all my life. I understand my music isn’t for everyone and that’s totally cool. I think the main thing is that we all realize that no matter what the style; metal, hip-hop, classical, country, jazz, or whatever, you just never know when a song is going to speak to you.
That just so happened to be the case with me recently when I came across this song by a collaborative effort of musicians and artists who came together to write a song and raise money for homeless and Greek Refugees. The fact that I’m half Greek probably played a role in how this song impacts me, but also because I am a survivor.
I find it empowering to come across a song and be able to use the lyrics and musicality to encourage and empower myself in my survivor journey.
I’ll share a few lines in this song that speak to me as a survivor. I’ve also included the full lyrics to the song at the end of this post and of course a link to the YouTube video.
“Yet after all the chaos, darkness still remains, She’s never the same” – This speaks to me because the darkness we went through in our past abuse will always remain and we are forever changed. While that doesn’t mean we can’t heal, certainly not, it does mean that the horrific events do change who we are.
“She dared to be the first to cross the line
Reflections of a selfless way and altered mind
A past in shadow left so far behind” – This part reminds me that we have to take that first step to healing. We have to reach out for help, and realize that we don’t have to live in fear and shame. We can leave behind our past and that shadow that trails us constantly. We can have a life that we want.
“Every life a choice to embrace
Either looking on or turning away
To extend a hand of mercy and grace
And to carry on
Hold the ones that the others denied
And to walk through ashes right by their side
And to be the angel, ever abide
As they carry on” – This part of the song is what sticks out to me the most. We, as survivors, can reach out and help one another. We can walk side by side, supporting each other. Validating each other. We can encourage those that feel as if they have been denied and been turned away from family and friends. Maybe we do now or once felt that way, so we can use the encouragement as well. We are all worthy of the life we want and deserve just like anyone else. Our past may have been tragic but it doesn’t have to define our future. Stand together and end the stigma!
I encourage you to watch the video with an open mind. Even if you aren’t a rocker, just read the lyrics and listen to the passion that the artists put into this song. Perhaps you might just find that it speaks to you in a similar way or maybe even a different way, and that’s OK! 🙂
On a side note, these artists and musicians are mainly from Symphonic Hard Rock/Metal bands and one is the lead singer in a Celtic Metal band. The harmonies, the keyboards, the beauty and power of this type of music is why I love it.
Anyways, I hope you guys didn’t mind me sharing this inspiration with you. As a survivor, I take any opportunity I can get to feel encouraged and validated.
-Lyric
ANGEL IN THE ASHES
(Music & lyrics: Matt Smith)
She caught a glimpse of those who wished to sail away
The spectre of a dream to chase a better day
The promise of a brand new start
And she always said the visions left a mark
The remnants of a stain tattooed upon her heart
She watched them as they moved together
Formed in pain, spirits gone
Like armies slain, yet marching on
Legions grow, faces change
Yet after all the chaos, darkness still remains
She’s never the same…
One more revolution turn
Watch the madhouse burn
Carry on, carry on
Rising angel in the ashes
Shimmer in the show
Shining in the afterglow
Fire falls from heaven down below
To gaze upon the ones she’d never seen
An architect of life repairing broken dreams
With nothing but the gift of time
She dared to be the first to cross the line
Reflections of a selfless way and altered mind
A past in shadow left so far behind
Behind their eyes
Thrown away like wreckage for some other day
Compromised, to escape
Forgotten no more
Minds of millions wide awake
It’s never too late…
One more revolution turn
Watch the madhouse burn
Carry on, carry on
Rising angel in the ashes
Shimmer in the show
Shining in the afterglow
Fire falls from heaven down below
Every life a choice to embrace
Either looking on or turning away
To extend a hand of mercy and grace
And to carry on
Hold the ones that the others denied
And to walk through ashes right by their side
And to be the angel, ever abide
As they carry on
(solo)
One more revolution turn
Watch the madhouse burn
Carry on, carry on
Rising angel in the ashes
Shimmer in the show
Shining in the afterglow
Fire falls from heaven down below
YouTube Link with all song and band member information
Disclaimer – I claim absolutely no rights to this song whatsoever. I’m just a fan of the musicians, artists, this song, and the message it sends.
Very unique song, I used to love this kind of music.
Thank you Joy. It’s my genre of music that I just love. As a life long rocker I find validation and comfort in this kind of melodic hard rock and metal. The harmonies and passion are what really get me, and then the lyrics are just amazing.