From the recording Threadbare Songs
Shame loves to grab the red pen, scribble in the margins,
and call itself the author of my life.
This song is me fighting back, flipping the script, remembering that Love wrote me first.
“I’m treasured and loved, and I’m learning to see / I don’t have to be my own worst enemy.”
This is also my week 38 entry in the Wildwood Song Contest, "Write a song about enemies"
Lyrics
VERSE 1
What gives you the right to stand in my way
To edit, critique, spill red ink on the page
Silence the muse with reasoned objections
Preying upon my fear of rejection
VERSE 2
Squelching ideas, you step on my toes
Telling me I'm the worst person you know
Empty, rejected, I put down my pen
Why did I think I should try it again?
CHORUS
I’m worthless and weak; it’s so easy to see
I’ve always been my own worst enemy
VERSE 3
I’m old and dusty, with rust on my bones
Weak in the knees, so I crumble and fold
Why did I think I had something to say?
No one will listen, I’ll call it a day.
CHORUS
I’m worthless and weak; it’s so easy to see
I’ve always been my own worst enemy
BRIDGE
But I turn the page back to the start of the story
When the maker was making reflections of glory
Back when Love breathed and spoke all of life into existence
Before fear was building my doubt and resistance
No voice of rejection and shame on repeat
When I was steady, not tripping on my two left feet
END CHORUS
I’m treasured and loved, and I’m learning to see
I don’t have to be my own worst enemy