by Alex Wilson
Album
Appalachian Rising
Year
2025
Genre
Pop Country/Singer-Songwriter/Inspirational
Duration
3:42
Description
'Might As Well Shine' is Alex Wilson's anthemic declaration of self-acceptance and resilience. Rooted in his Appalachian upbringing and overcoming an abusive childhood, the song chronicles his journey from feeling invisible and afraid to boldly embracing his true self. A blend of pop sensibilities and country storytelling, the song features vivid imagery and a powerful message about the transformative power of visibility and authenticity. This song is designed to empower listeners to shed their inhibitions, celebrate their uniqueness, and bravely step into the light.
Lyrics
[Verse 1] Woke up this morning with that restless feeling Like I been hiding underneath my skin Mama always said "Boy, keep your head down" But I'm tired of blending with the wind Got my boots laced up and my heart wide open Gonna step into the light today 'Cause if they're gonna see me anyway [Pre-Chorus] I'm done with playing small Done with fading into walls [Chorus] Might as well shine, might as well glow Might as well let the whole world know I'm here, I'm alive, I'm ready to fly If I'm gonna be seen, might as well shine Might as well shine, might as well be Everything I was born to be No more hiding behind these lines Might as well shine, might as well shine [Verse 2] Used to walk around like I was sorry For taking up space in this old town But something in my bones started moving Like a goal post calling my name out loud So I kicked that fear right through the uprights Watched it disappear into the sky Now tomorrow's knocking at my door tonight [Pre-Chorus] I'm done with playing small Done with fading into walls [Chorus] Might as well shine, might as well glow Might as well let the whole world know I'm here, I'm alive, I'm ready to fly If I'm gonna be seen, might as well shine Might as well shine, might as well be Everything I was born to be No more hiding behind these lines Might as well shine, might as well shine [Bridge] Every scar, every bruise, every tear I've cried Led me here to this moment where I come alive No more shadows, no more shame Time to dance inside the rain [Chorus] Might as well shine, might as well glow Might as well let the whole world know I'm here, I'm alive, I'm ready to fly If I'm gonna be seen, might as well shine Might as well shine, might as well be Everything I was born to be No more hiding behind these lines Might as well shine, might as well shine [Outro] Might as well shine, might as well shine Might as well shine, for all the world to see
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (steel-string), electric guitar (with a slight twang), bass guitar, drums (with a driving beat), and potentially a banjo or mandolin to emphasize the Appalachian influence. Layered harmonies in the chorus would enhance the anthemic feel. Tempo: Medium tempo, building in intensity throughout the song. The bridge should create a moment of vulnerability before the powerful final chorus. Dynamics: Start relatively quiet in the verses, building to a full sound in the chorus. The bridge should be a dynamic contrast before the final chorus. Production: A modern pop-country sound with clean vocals, polished instrumentation, and a driving rhythm section. Key Change: A half-step or whole-step key change for the final chorus to amplify the sense of liberation and empowerment. Performance: The song should be performed with conviction and energy. Alex should connect with the audience and convey the raw emotion of the lyrics. Encourage audience participation during the chorus to create a sense of collective empowerment.