I Sang So I Wouldn't Drown
Alex Wilson
Description
"I Sang So I Wouldn't Drown" is a raw and emotionally resonant Americana/Country ballad about finding solace and survival through music. The song tells the story of a young boy who uses a battered guitar and his own voice to escape a difficult and traumatic home life. It's a powerful testament to the healing power of art, rejecting the pursuit of fame in favor of the authentic expression born from pain and resilience. The song is characterized by its confessional lyrics, haunting melodies, and a profound sense of vulnerability that connects with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Lyrics
[Verse 1] Found a cracked guitar in a neighbor's trash, Strings like barbed wire, bent neck, no cash. Snuck it home under a coat too thin, Waited 'til Daddy passed out again. Notes were lifelines, chords were prayers, A voice in the silence nobody dared. No spotlight dream or neon crown— I sang so I wouldn’t drown. [Chorus] I didn’t sing to be famous, didn’t chase no gold, Just whispered songs when the nights got cold. Each verse a breath when the world pushed me down, Each chorus a raft so I wouldn’t drown. It ain’t about stages or radio sound— I sang so I wouldn’t drown. [Verse 2] Six years old, sittin’ under broken lights, Humming hymns to hush the fights. Neighbors heard but didn’t speak, Mama’s ghost in every squeaky floor creak. I carved a melody from rust and pain, Built a lifeboat out of a poor boy’s name. No fame in mind, no chart to be found— I sang so I wouldn’t drown. [Chorus] I didn’t sing to be famous, didn’t chase no gold, Just whispered songs when the nights got cold. Each verse a breath when the world pushed me down, Each chorus a raft so I wouldn’t drown. It ain’t about stages or radio sound— I sang so I wouldn’t drown. [Bridge] Now folks clap and shout my name, But I still feel that boy the same. The spotlight shines, but the truth remains, That little boy still feels the pains. Behind the mic, beneath the light, It’s still me singin’ to survive the night. [Final Chorus] I didn’t sing to be famous, didn’t want the crown, Just needed a voice when the world shut down. Each word a prayer that somehow found A way to lift me off the ground. I still ain’t chasin’ glory or renown— I sing so I won’t drown. [Outro] Yeah… I sing so I won’t drown. Oh... I still sing so I won't drown.