by Alex Wilson
Album
Scars and Songs
Year
2025
Genre
Americana/Country/Singer-Songwriter/Blues
Duration
3:52
Description
'I Raised Myself' is a raw and emotionally charged Americana/Country ballad about overcoming a harsh and abusive upbringing. Driven by acoustic guitar and heartfelt vocals, the song tells the story of a young man who finds solace and strength in music, ultimately forging his own path and surviving against all odds. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of hardship and resilience, while the melody tugs at the heartstrings, leaving the listener with a sense of hope and admiration for the protagonist's unwavering spirit.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Coal dust on my boots, blood on my hands, Grew up in a hell where no one understands. Dad’s fist was his gospel, his bottle his creed, I learned to stand tall while my heart learned to bleed. Pre-Chorus No soft words, no shelter from the storm, Just a boy and a guitar keepin’ my soul warm. Chorus No lullabies, no ‘good job, son’ — Just the sound of doors slammin’ when the hard times come. Scraped my knees and stitched my pride — I raised myself, and I survived. Verse 2 Kentucky nights taught me how to fight, Dodgin’ his shadow in the dim porch light. Strummed my pain on strings rusted and worn, Turned my scars into songs before the dawn was born. Pre-Chorus No roadmap, no hand to hold me tight, Just a fire in my chest burnin’ through the night. Chorus No lullabies, no ‘good job, son’ — Just the sound of doors slammin’ when the hard times come. Scraped my knees and stitched my pride — I raised myself, and I survived. Bridge Every bruise was a lesson, every tear was a flame, Built a man from the wreckage of a cursed last name. This guitar’s my salvation, my truth, my fight, I raised myself to sing into the night. Instrumental Break (Guitar solo - Melodic and bluesy, reflecting the pain and resilience of the song) Chorus No lullabies, no ‘good job, son’ — Just the sound of doors slammin’ when the hard times come. Scraped my knees and stitched my pride — I raised myself, and I survived. Outro (Slow picking: E|-3---3---| B|-3---3---| G|-0---0---| D|-2---2---| A|-2---2---| E|-0---0---| Fade out) I raised myself… and I’m still alive.
Notes
* Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (steel-string), possibly subtle bass, harmonica, and a distant, echoing drum beat that enters in the chorus to give the song more drive. Harmonica to add a mournful edge. * Tempo: Moderate tempo, around 88 BPM, allows the listener to digest each lyric. * Key: G Major. A comfortable key for acoustic guitar and vocals. * Vocal Style: Raw, slightly raspy, with a touch of vulnerability. Convey the emotion without over-singing. * Guitar Style: Fingerpicking in the verses, transitioning to strumming in the choruses. Incorporate slide guitar or bluesy licks in the instrumental break. The outro guitar riff can be repeated and faded out. * Dynamics: Build dynamics throughout the song. Start quiet and build towards the choruses and bridge. The instrumental break provides a moment of intensity before returning to the quieter outro. * Harmonies: Add subtle backing harmonies on the second chorus and bridge to thicken the sound and add emotional depth. * Production Notes: The recording should have a slightly raw and authentic feel. Avoid excessive effects processing. A touch of reverb can add depth to the vocals and instruments.