- Written December 15th, 2010
- Keywords: Activism, Abuse, Art Therapy
[TW: A song of warning about domestic violence]
Story Behind the Song -
Just me raging against domestic violence. Sent out, with love, to all those women for whom I worked at the shelter. Thank you for all I learned from you. I’m just sorry I had to learn it by seeing and hearing about the pure hell you all went through. My hope is that this song will encourage more women (and men) to find the strength, courage — and the support of others — to leave abusive relationships. There’s just no excuse for it: Domestic Violence has got to end. Now.
Song Lyrics -
So I see — that you bumped into the door again,
But you’ve used that line before, my friend,
And it’s so hard to believe...
People talk — and you’re fooling yourself, sister,
You can hear your neighbors whisper,
“Why doesn’t she just leave?”
You know, it’s hard to be a madman’s girl,
When he controls every little thing in your world...
Don’t take this lying down!
You don’t have to keep his secret, there’s hope and help to be found.
You are strong, you are beautiful, and you’re precious in God’s eyes.
Don’t take this lying down. Don’t take this lying down.
Long sleeve shirts — well, they cover up all the bruises,
But they can’t hide the one who loses,
And you know it’s always you...
You feel trapped — and you fear there’s no solution,
So you dream of retribution,
‘Cause there’s not much else to do...
You know, it’s hard to be a madman’s wife,
When he controls every little thing in your life...
You wish that you could go back to the way things used to be.
You tell yourself things were good once, but was that all just a fantasy...?
©2012 Jim Shoulak/Cedar Lodge Music