by Alex Wilson
Album
Scars That Sing
Year
2025
Genre
Americana/Singer-Songwriter/Folk/Country
Duration
4:18
Description
A raw and emotional Americana ballad about escaping the cycle of abuse and finding strength in vulnerability. Alex Wilson's 'The Weight of Silence' explores the lasting impact of a traumatic childhood, the suffocating power of unspoken words, and the eventual triumph of self-expression through music. The song builds from quiet introspection to a powerful declaration of independence, marked by Wilson's heartfelt vocals and poignant lyricism.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Words we never spoke cut deeper than his belt, Every silent scream was a wound I felt. Learned to bite my tongue ‘fore I learned to pray, Carried that quiet through each hellbound day. Pre-Chorus Truth was a ghost in that house of pain, But silence was the chain I broke to stay sane. Chorus Screamin’ would’ve been easier than bitin’ my tongue, But I learned early silence wins when the hurt’s been sung. Every heavy word we never said still shines — In the weight of silence left behind. Verse 2 Dad’s liquor breath was louder than his care, His fists wrote stories in the midnight air. I built my strength in the spaces he ignored, Turned my mute defiance to a warrior’s sword. Pre-Chorus Pain was a language we both understood, But I chose the quiet to carve my own good. Chorus Screamin’ would’ve been easier than bitin’ my tongue, But I learned early silence wins when the hurt’s been sung. Every heavy word we never said still shines — In the weight of silence left behind. Bridge Now I sing the truths I buried as a boy, Each note’s a spark, each chord’s a joy. The weight of silence taught me how to stand, I’m breakin’ its chains with these calloused hands. Chorus Screamin’ would’ve been easier than bitin’ my tongue, But I learned early silence wins when the hurt’s been sung. Every heavy word we never said still shines — In the weight of silence left behind. Outro The weight of silence… I’m leavin’ it behind. *(Slow picking and slight vocal echo: I'm leavin' it... behind...)*
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (fingerpicked or strummed softly), subtle bass line, brushes on a snare drum, and potentially a weeping slide guitar in the background to enhance the emotional weight. Vocals should be raw and emotional, with a slight break in the voice during the chorus to emphasize the pain. The bridge offers an opportunity for a slight increase in tempo and intensity, reflecting the narrator's growing strength. The outro should fade out slowly with the acoustic guitar picking and a final, whispered vocal echo. Consider adding a subtle cello or viola drone throughout the song to create a sense of atmosphere and longing. Keyboards (piano or organ) could be introduced subtly during the bridge for harmonic richness. The slow picking in the outro should be played with a heavy heart to fully immerse the listener in the song's theme. Chords could be (example in E): Verse/Pre-Chorus: Em, C, G, D. Chorus: C, G, D, Em. Bridge: Am, C, G, D.