The group songwriting project song demo. 14 US Women Veterans who survived military sexual trauma (MST) and/or military rape. This is their song. Thank you for listening.
Lyrics
Walk In The Light
2023 Warrior Songs MST Creative Arts Retreat
D Em
It was incest, when I was raped.
G G D
My spirit left my body but my mind could not escape.
They were my brothers, I was betrayed,
Humiliated, violated, and ashamed.
What were you wearing? As if was bait.
A slab of meat, served up on a plate.
Still in denial, silenced by fear.
If I report they say they’ll end my career.
So I cut my hair, dressed down baggy clothes,
If I’m fat and ugly maybe they’ll leave me alone
(Chorus)
A G D
My heart grows weary and the road seems dark as night.
A G D
They snuffed out a candle that used to shine so bright.
A G D
What was done to me can never be made right.
G D
What else can I do?
G D
What is left to do?
G D
What else can I do except to…
A G
Walk in the light.
I got out, went back home.
From the couch to the bed seemed the only place I’d go.
Most nights I just lay her and I just sob.
Trying to hold it all together when I can’t hold down a job.
Drowning and empty, eyes like a ghost.
Overmedicated and under diagnosed.
I feel so broken, trying to let go.
Lovely’s such a huge hole to try to fill alone.
I miss the old me, joyful for each day.
Now I’m full of sorrow and a grief that never goes away.
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
Bm
Wildflower in a bed a roses
A
A single rose in a pile of rocks.
G
Though my healings still a work in progress.
A
I’m finding my own path to walk.
I grow where I’m planted, sprout like a seed
I’m setting healthy boundaries, I ask for what I need.
I’m doing the work, retreats and therapy.
I’m reclaiming the joy, that they stole from me.
I’ve found my voice, I speak my truth.
Through selfcare and expression I am rewired and renewed.
Learning to love, every inch of me.
Feeling good in my own skin, rediscovering my body.
My circles smaller, but it growing strong.
I put my pain into my art, transform my trauma with a song.
(Last Chorus)
My heart was weary and the road was dark as night.
From a spark of hope I’m starting to ignite.
Until at last my soul is shining bright.
This I know is true.
When there’s nothing left to do.
The only way to make it through was to,
Walk in the light.