We in Winter Grain are believers in the power of art and its ability to speak for itself. However, we also (as music fans) find value in knowing a little bit about the making of the art. Therefore, with a cautious stroke of the pen, we wanted to write down a little background behind our songs and fulfill a request that many of you have asked of us this past year: to post our lyrics. So without further ado, we give you Breaking Glass as the first in a series of blogs describing a little of the art behind our songs.
Breaking Glass came from an emotional place, rooted in Kate's time as a soldier. In the span of a decade, she had moved back and forth across the country from Michigan, to Alabama, to Nevada, and finally to Utah. Thus, the opening lyric was the first drop to seep through the dam when she wrote the lyrics to this song. She felt that strange yet familiar dichotomy of being the weak stranger in a new city, yet the strong soldier underneath; the accomplished scholar, with no street cred; the extrovert, surrounded by "Quiet" signs.
The ink met paper when she felt she might have to use her soldier strength to repel some un-wanted attention from an admirer. He couldn't understand her kindness for what it was: a simple desire for a friendly face and engaging conversation. She had to cut-off the friendship for fear that he couldn't get over his feelings, and she couldn't get past the anxiety of knowing she could really defend herself if she needed. She always felt like she was playing with fire. Then one day, upon reflecting on how fire extinguishers are often behind a pane of glass that says, "Break in case of emergency," she sat down and started writing.
BREAKING GLASS
The Highway ain't a home. Everybody comes. Everybody goes.
But I'm an old seed; I follow where that wind blows and float the river as she flows.
I'm a bon fire. I'm a live grenade. Only break this glass in case of emergency.
This is the final straw. This is the line in the sand.
This is the click of a trigger. You better get out while you can.
Werewolves and Vampires: monsters are popular to hire.
Ooo! Lucky you! Let your wary eyes retire.
'Cause if I'm an angel I'm a liar.
No. You're martyrdom ain't welcome here.
Caught you in your lust when it should be fear.
No the faint of heart don't earn these tears.
No heart is born a stone; the walls around them we build they are our own.
Let me be clear. Leave me alone. No you don't want to make me change my tone.
'Cause I'm the blue wire in the atomic age.
And I told you only to break this glass in case it was an emergency.
And I'm a bon fire. I'm a live grenade.
And I told you only to break this glass in case it was an emergency.
This is the final straw. This is the line in the sand.
This is the click of a trigger. You better get out while you can.