Thank you for Music Submissions

Asking for your feedback on specific songs.

Jun 14, 2024

I've listened to every single song submitted, sometimes more than once. In the initial announcement I wrote:

"I'd love your input on music that inspires you, comforts you, and soothes your soul."

I got that and a lot more. Music that cuts straight to the heart. As I'm sorting through this music, I'm working with the audio book voice talent and music coordinators. Again, we are trying to select music that will be added to the audio book. The book is organized into various stages, and we are placing the music into those various stages.

Artwork from **Paperdolls & Cowboy Boots**, Denial Section

For the "Denial" or "Anger" sections, there are two songs submitted, that capture the pain and betrayal of the victim. The lyrics and the music portray essential elements of sexual assault. I am drawn to both of these songs because of the emotion they evoke--for me as a survivor. I also think the songs will elicit emotion and bring understanding to those who have not suffered sexual assault.

I would really like your feedback, impressions, reactions to one or both of these songs:

Vince Gill's Forever Changed1

and

Lady Gaga's "Til it happens to you."2

If you are a paid subscriber, please let a comment here.

If you are uncomfortable leaving a comment here, please use the form we created for submitting music, we adjusted it slightly so it's easier to provide your reactions and comments to the music:

https://paperdollscowboyboots.com/music-suggestion/3

Thank you so much. If you are willing to help with this feedback, I might be presenting a few more songs that we would love your insights. I don't want to put the burden on you, my beloved survivors, to chose the music. But, I want the music in the audio book to touch your soul. Hence, the ask.

Note: both of these songs are quite sobering and might take you back. Please take a walk, or do something nurturing for yourself after you listen. For me, it might be time for another "Puppy Love" post. Henry is quite confused about why I love butterflies so much but don't want him to capture them. He's chasing butterflies (not bears). Cute, but what a puppy!

Vince Gill, Forever Changed (Official Lyric Video):

[Verse 1]

You put your hands where they don't belong
And now her innocence is dead and gone
She feels dirty, she feels ashamed
Because of you‚ she's forever changed

Too afraid to tell someone
Well‚ you might as well just used a gun
She cries for Jesus to ease the pain
Because of you‚ she's forever changed

[Chorus]

Can't you just leave the child alone?
I can hear the angels in Heaven moan
God was watching and He knows your name
Because of you, she's forever changed

[Verse 2]

Whether you're a stranger or flesh and blood
There'll come a day you face that Judge
You can beg for mercy, but the truth remains
Because of you‚ she's forever changed

[Chorus]

Can't you just leave the child alone?
I can hear the angels in Heaven moan
God was watching and He knows your name
Because of you, she's forever changed

--Vince Gill, Forever Changed

----

Lady Gaga - Til It Happens to You (Official Music Video)

[Verse 1]

You tell me it gets better, it gets better in time
You say I'll pull myself together, pull it together, you'll be fine
Tell me, what the hell do you know? What do you know?
Tell me how the hell could you know? How could you know?

[Chorus 1]

'Til It happens to you, you don't know how it feels, how it feels
'Til it happens to you, you won't know, it won't be real
No, it won't be real, won't know how it feels

[Verse 2]

You tell me hold your head up, hold your head up and be strong
'Cause when you fall you gotta get up, you gotta get up and move on
Tell me how the hell could you talk, how could you talk?
'Cause until you walk where I walk, this is no joke

[Chorus 2]

'Til it happens to you, you don't know how it feels, how it feels
'Til it happens to you, you won't know, it won't be real
(How could you know?)
No it won't be real
(How could you know?)
Won't know how I feel

[Bridge]

'Til your world burns and crashes
'Til you're at the end, the end of your rope
'Til you're standing in my shoes
I don't wanna hear a thing from you, from you, from you
'Cause you don't know

[Chorus 3]

'Til it happens to you, you don't know how I feel, how I feel
How I feel
'Til it happens to you, you won't know, it won't be real
(How could you know?)
No it won't be real
(How could you know?)
Won't know how it feels

[Outro]

'Til it happens to you
Happens to you
Happens to you
Happens to you
Happens to you
Happens to you
(How could you know?)
'Til it happens you

You won't know how I feel

Vince Gill announced that this song was based on his personal experience of being attacked by a coach when he was in Junior High.

Lady Gaga was also a victim of rape.

There's ample space on that form for a comment, and the results go right to me.