This is a love song for anyone who embarks upon a therapeutic journey or a process of intense self-development. It is often a great risk or a time of uncertainty and this song tries to support the tender emotions of this.
It was originally written 12 years ago for someone who undoubtedly had Complex PTSD after a very difficult and violent childhood. Sadly this individual died by suicide a few years ago, so the song has a deep significance for me in terms of its own traumogenic journey.
This World So New
I know you’re scared, and unprepared –
I would be too in a world so new.
You saw the trees, you saw the vale
And a crumbled mansion, only walls prevailed.
And oh, sweet love
Oh, my dear…
How much you could
Stand still in your fear
Oh, how can it be?
To set the soul free
It takes courage, and the greatest bravery.
So, do you sail right across this strait?
Or hide at the bramble-covered gate?
Oh, how can it be?
To set the soul free
It takes courage, and the greatest bravery.
I know you’re scared and unprepared.
I would be too, in a world so new.
This new version has been made for the “Sometimes, Trauma…” project, which offers a range of support for survivors of trauma – from practical psychoeducation, individual therapy and online groups. It also seeks to support therapists working in this field.
I was delighted that my friend Bas Kooman from the Netherlands was happy to re-play the guitar part that I could no longer remember how to play all these years on! The fantastically talented Dave McKeown has played all other instrumentation and recorded and produced the song for me. He has also led with the editing and putting together of this video.
Sometimes, Trauma... 