If you read my blogpost last week, you’ll already be aware of the playlist I’ve created for my dialysis sessions. Considering how much heavy rock and metal I listen to, and consequently how much of those genres there is on the playlist, it may be surprising that I only included one song from this group in my post last week.
Today I want to spotlight one particular song that has become my theme song for my dialysis journey. And yes, it is probably classed as heavy rock or metal. This song captures so much of how I feel about the journey I’m on.
Of course, since I didn’t write the song, and it’s almost certainly not written about anything similar to what is happening in my life, it doesn’t track word perfectly to my experience. But the words are uncannily appropriate to how I feel, as is the sense and attitude of the song. Or at least, it seems so when I listen to it.
To me, the song speaks to resilience and determination while facing obstacles, it speaks to courage, inner strength and perseverance. And it speaks to an attitude of standing up proudly and defying the odds. All of which I try to do on a daily basis.
It also reminds me of the mythical phoenix, the bird that is consumed by fire and emerges triumphantly from the ashes, hence the image accompanying this blogpost.
The song in question is the Fire Within, and it is by Within Temptation, a heavy rock band with a female vocalist from Holland, Sharon den Adel.
Since the song means so much to me, I decided to list the words here. I’d love to see if you read the same things into the track that I do. I’ve also given a link to the song on Spotify, for anyone who’s interested in hearing it after reading the lyrics.
The Fire Within.
By Within Temptation.
Songwriters: Daniel Bjorn Gibson, Within Temptation (released 2022)
This is what I wanted, nothing’s going to change it,
This is what it’s all about.
Got to keep believing, this is why I’m breathing,
Nothing else on my mind.
Suddenly, I see that time’s been running out
I can feel it coming under my skin
I can feel the change under my skin
No more hesitating, I don’t want to face it
This is all I’ve ever known
Feel my mind straining, all my doubts are fading
Rushing to the edge and I let myself go
And I feel that my heart’s going crazy now
I am not going to break, can’t be taken down
No, I’m not going under, it’s going down with the thunder
I feel the fire within burning hot with the thunder
No, I’m not going under, it’s going down with the thunder
It’s going down with the thunder
This cannot be taken, all I have been facing
I will never let it go
Feel the liberation, it won’t be forsaken
Never going to shout it out
Suddenly, I see that this is not the end
Whoa, I can feel it coming under my skin
I can feel the change under my skin
Feel my mind straining, all my doubts are fading
Rushing to the edge, and I let myself go
And I feel that my heart’s going crazy now
I am not going to break, can’t be taken down
No, I’m not going under, it’s going down with the thunder
I feel the fire within burning hot with the thunder
No, I’m not going under, it’s going down with the thunder
I am what I am, I’m not heaven-sent
I am what I am, here we go again
Down with the thunder
Yeah, I feel that my heart’s going crazy now
I am not going to break, can’t be taken down
No, I’m not going under, it’s going down with the thunder
I feel the fire within burning hot with the thunder
No, I’m not going under, it’s going down with the thunder
Here’s where you can find the song on Spotify:
