FAWM: "the wraith"

the wraith

There is no demo for this song.

Liner Notes

first song this year, finally. i'm working on a demo with someone, will update Monday or Tuesday!

this song is about my relationship with pain. i'm in pain all the time, but i have flares where it can get much worse. there's usually a moment i realize, "oh, this is about to get really, really bad" and simply sit with the dread, the feeling of doom. it's really quite terrifying, so the metaphor of a malevolent spirit haunting me and approaching slowly but surely seemed apt.

#singersongwriter #lyricsonly #chronicpain

Lyrics

i hear it coming a soft bell ringing then hushed, creeping footsteps on snowfall

(ever closer, ever closer)

i see it coming snowflakes at the window then a shrouded figure crouched at my bedside

(ever closer, ever closer)

i feel it coming black nails trailing my skin like children drag sticks on fences

(my skin blossoms with red welts i taste pennies in my mouth pull a coin from my tongue bribe the wraith to leave me be)

for just one night, please, i would do anything that you bid of me for just one night, please.

i know the truth now this ghost is one of many they gather with me, beside me, surround me

(ever closer, ever closer)

my skin, my bones, my eyes, my throat my lungs, my heart, my body's on loan

i see them blacken the sky (for just one night, please) crowding out a red moon (i would do anything that you bid of me) i see them blacken the sky (for just one night, please) crowding out a red moon (i would do anything that you bid of me)

but i lay my head down and close my heavy eyelids.

my bones crumble quietly my limbs twist beneath the sheets but i lay my head back down trust me: you can get used to anything.

Comments

@johnstaples 14h

Oh Rachelle, these are amazing lyrics. I get actual chills reading them. "footsteps on snowfall" is such a strong image of something approaching quietly. And then "(ever closer, ever closer)" which to me feels like an ominous chant. You vividly describe it coming closer and then you begin to describe the feelings with "my skin like children drag sticks on fences". That is such an awesome description! As I continue to read I am overwhelmed by the way you describe everything. It is as close as the reader could get to experiencing it directly! And then, that last line just guts me when you say "you can get used to anything". After everything laid out in your lyrics, the resignation in that line amplifies the sadness so much. This is an incredible write! If you add music I MUST hear this!

I am so very sorry you are in pain and I hope you are able to find relief. Thank you for sharing these lyrics in spite of your pain.

@dhiatt 1w

Oof, I'm impressed how you communicated the idea of this one. You really feel it from the imagery and empathize with it. Some great lines. Can't wait to hear this.

@jamkar 1w

Very shadowy. You have communicated this vibe very well. The pain, the imagery, and the final brave response.

@rubberbandage 1w

Whewff, this is so hair-raising to read. I love how it starts with this depiction of peaceful gentle quiet around you, and then the horrors simply move from outside to inside your space with no hinderance. It’s so deeply intense and unsettling. These are such good lyrics.

@andygetch 1w

The ghost metaphor is effective and powerful and helps me feel what I can only imagine. I hope to hear the music when it is ready.

@lonelyrobot 1w

Some really moving imagery here, I especially like the "sticks on fences" one. That closing line of "you can get used to anything" is so poignant as well 👏