War Inside

The Story Behind the Song

This was a song I needed to write — but more importantly, I needed to produce it, because it has a chance to save lives. Depression isn't talked about enough, and my goal wasn't to say, 'Oh, you're gonna be all right. Everybody gets a little sad.' I wanted it to feel like I walked right up to someone in that hole, told them what was happening inside me, and let them know they weren't alone. Sometimes, when I was very deep in the darkest places, knowing that there were other people suffering alongside me gave me a glimmer of hope. Even though we were all hurting and doing our best to hide it from the world in isolation, it meant that we weren't completely alone. Those of us who suffer from depression all know that 'voice within that tells us the truth.' It's not the truth — but in those moments of deep despair and anguish, when we're alone in the dark with that voice, we'll believe anything it says and take it as the truth.

Performances

This Long Broken Road is released in three performer editions, each with its own real performance — durations differ by artist, not just persona.

Lyrics

My life is a war zone, day after day, Will it be that way ’til I’m old and gray? I get up early and work hard for my pay, But waking up is always worse than yesterday. There’s a battle raging you don’t get to see, A little secret: it’s in you and me. Fighting my doubts, my worth, and my pride, Every breath is another war inside. There’s a voice deep within that tells me the truth, You’re no good, you won’t win, you’re a fool. Whispers I’m worthless, been there all my life, Why was I given a voice armed with a knife? There’s a battle raging you don’t get to see, A little secret: it’s in you and me. Fighting my doubts, my worth, and my pride, Every breath is another war inside. You don’t see the scars when I come through the door, But I’ve fought a thousand secret wars. Some of ’em damn near left me on the floor, I only stand up by the grace and mercy of the Lord... There’s a battle raging you don’t get to see, A little secret: it’s in you and me. Fighting my doubts, my worth, and my pride, Every breath is another war inside. Every day's a struggle to survive... Maybe it'll be that way the rest of my life... Maybe I’ll find a way to turn the tides… But for now I’ll keep on fightin’ my war inside.