Depression
A song is just a song unless you make it something more. As an artist you must remember that someone who hears your works will make more of it than others. That's why I always try to say something that can open others eyes as they open their ears. I also strive to avoid being a preacher. I want the flowers to bloom without knowing they are being watered with love and sunshine.
Todays song is about depression. I have a life long friend that suffers from it. He spent more than half his life not knowing he had it, until the feelings grew beyond anything he could bear and he sought out treatment. When he told me of his diagnosis everything clicked into place and I knew the diagnosis was correct. It's something he will have to live with. There are treatments, but so far none that I know of that will cure him. He has gotten better with some treatments and medications, but they are like a band aid protecting a wound.
In all honesty I think we all suffer from varying degrees of different types of mental illness, and I'm sure we all have or will go through a period or two of depression. I know I have, but what I have experienced is like putting your foot in the water. You are still able to pull it out. My friend on the other hand is up to his neck and no mater how far he walks he's still neck deep.
Todays song is "Don't Know Why I can't Be A Happy Guy". I put myself in my friends place and drew upon my personal feelings and how I imagined he feels.
Becoming someone else and writing a song about their struggles is actually very freeing and a powerful songwriting tool I enjoy using very much. It also makes you very vulnerable to those that listen and brings out pieces of your character that often lay hidden within. As an artist that's what we strive to do, and in doing so, we hope it brings others to do the same.
I know I can never feel what my friend really feels, but I hope I can at least reach a depth that bring light to a problem so many suffer from and help the listener reach a level of awareness that moves them to see a problem that causes so many to hide from the light.
I love hearing from you so please fee free to share your thoughts or say hi.
Believe in love
Rusty Clay
