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Lyrics:
V1
I've heard that pens swing harder than swords
We fight with words in this war
The nib is a match, it ignites with a flash
Consuming my heart with the roar
PC1
Words are the flames that burn in our lungs
Consuming us all when they're sung
CH
They say fire will heal me, fire will cleanse me
Fire will turn things around
But this fire is hurting; it’s making me dirty
Fire is burning me down
V2
I've heard that pens cut deeper than knives;
The tools we abuse in this life
A heart that's ablaze will keep singing the rage
And thinks it can tell you who's right
PC2
The flame that takes all is my judgment call
It lights as my gavel falls
CH
They say fire will heal me, fire will cleanse me
Fire will turn things around
But this fire is hurting; it’s making me dirty
Fire is burning me down, yeah
V3
As long as I've lived I've used notes as a shiv
To stoke flames with eyes to the floor
So love help me see what my life could be
When I look up instead of ignore
CH
They say fire will heal me, fire will cleanse me
Fire will turn things around
But this fire is hurting; it’s making me dirty
Fire is burning me down
END
Yeah, I’ve heard that pens swing harder than swords
So we fight with words in this war.
Lyrics by Jacob L. Betts (ASCAP IPI #1095371544)
Behind the Song:
'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.' This phrase, commonly heard during childhood, fails to acknowledge the profound impact words can have on individuals. From my experience, I have yet to meet someone who hasn't been deeply affected by the words of others. After thorough research, it appears that this phrase originated around 1862 as an anti-bullying sentiment, persisting in Western culture to this day.
However, 23 years prior to that, Edward Bulwer-Lytton introduced the phrase 'The pen is mightier than the sword!' in his play Richelieu. This usage was a variation of the older saying 'the word is mightier than the sword' (from 500 BCE), which itself stems from the belief that 'the tongue is mightier than the blade' (from 406 BCE), rooted in Biblical and Talmudic writings.
I firmly believe that words are powerful tools entrusted to us to uplift and encourage others. Like any tool, they can be misused and wielded as destructive weapons. One of my greatest personal struggles has been pride and arrogance, which easily transform into hurtful remarks. It's like an all-consuming fire that engulfs me, leaving my soul scorched. This song serves as a daily reminder for me to be silent, look upward, and listen attentively (“Love help me see what my life could be when I look up instead of ignore”).
-- Jacob Betts
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