5 minutes and 4 seconds, 247 words, and one song that changed my life. Sitting in Wickenburg, Arizona as a 13-year-old troubled girl, I was angry, scared and confused. This was a dark time in my life, and it seemed there was no way out. I remember clearly sitting outside in the dry Arizona heat on that Thursday evening. I was surrounded by nothing but red hills, mountains, cacti and horses. The setting sun painted the most beautiful portrait in the sky, but I could not settle my mind enough to enjoy the peace and serenity of the surrounding environment.
There are many songs in my life that have spoken to me in significant ways. The first time I heard the song “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine,” by Switchfoot, was a moment that will always be prominent in my life. The landscape around me was something I wish I could live with everyday, but it was the art that I discovered in the music that left me speechless. As the song played in the background, I was braiding a friend’s hair, thinking about how many days I had left before I could go back to my old lifestyle. The words played softly as some girls sang along, some girls didn’t hear, but for whatever reason; perhaps it was the setting sun, the lack of sleep, the slow beating of the drums, or the lyrics; I was so moved by this song. A rush of emotion filled mw4ie; leaving me feeling more vulnerable than ever as heaving sobs overcame my body. It was such a beautiful moment in my life. It was after this song when I decided to change my life. I realized that I could in fact get myself out of this mess. These lyrics meant something to me, and I believe that the writer of this song created this art to have such an impact on an individual.
The Shadow Proves the Sunshine. These five words remind that when I’m cold scared and alone, the sunshine will always be back to warm my heart and soul. This lyrical form of art connected with every emotion and fear that I was experiencing. Art to me is anything that can make me feel and connect with what the artist is saying or showing. Often times I discover art in the simple things that most people would never notice. Music is my favorite kind of art, and although I do not regularly listen to Switchfoot, this piece of art has had a huge impact on my life.
Today, I am at a much better place in my life. I am happy that I have been through the dark days and shadows, so that I can experience the happiness and sunshine to the fullest. I continue to struggle through dark times, but I am always reminded of the sunshine that comes from the shadows. I am thankful that I have had music and art to touch me in a way that this song has. I continue to reflect back on the lyrics and art created by Switchfoot and many other singers and songwriters.
5 words, 20 minutes of pain, and 1 tattoo for the rest of my life. What was once art in the form of drums and song, is now a beautiful design painted in my skin. These lyrics have left such an impact on me, that I have recently gotten them scripted on the side of my ribs. I love looking into the mirror and remembering where I have been, and where I have the ability to go. I know there will always be difficult times, but without the difficult times, I would never be able to prosper and experience the love and the joy that the world has to offer. I believe that singers create their art to have an impact on their audience, and Switchfoot has successfully done so in my life.
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