Story Behind The Song

Read an intensely moving story about domestic violence. Lingered with me afterwards long enough to realize I needed to write about it.

Song Description

Intended to capture the nature, history, moving dynamic that underlies abusive relationships from the perspective of abuser (male) and survivor (female)

Lyrics

She makes herself really small
She tries hard not to talk at all
There's land mines out there
I don't know where they are
I'll find out when we get back to the car
Back to the car

I hope he didn't take it wrong
That thing I said
I hope he didn't drink too much
I lost count
I'm small and alone here
Even though you're around
Can't find a moments peace
Until the next bad thing goes down
Bad thing goes down

He makes himself big and strong
The more she pulls away
The tighter he holds on
If she just tried harder
To give me what I need
She wouldn't have to cry
She wouldn't have to break down and plead
Don't hit me please

Maybe today is when things finally start to change
He didn't yell much when I broke
his favorite cup
This time is different
I'm telling my best friend
A little makeup to cover up the rough spots and then
It all starts again

And so it goes (repeat)