Story Behind The Song

Have you ever been so completely wrong about someone that the inevitable break-up takes you completely by storm? He seemed so attentive, so caring, so concerned. Turns out he was an angry, mean, abusive man who was in hiding. The break-up was particularly harsh and one that involved changing of locks, etc. (you know what I'm talking about). Once the dust settled, I took respite in one of my favorite places, the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. One day, I was strolling through the surf and this song appeared. I still remember the warmth of the ocean and sun and the feeling that I would indeed recover from the trauma....starting today. I enjoyed playing the piano on this recording (closely monitored by my producer who, admittedly, is a much better musician than I) and I especially loved getting a little "scatty" at the end. I remember the session well - having invited the husband of one of my friends to the studio that day so he could get a glimpse at a world that fascinated him. He got a big smile on his face when I sang the line "We'll be in touch, so you say - but we won't be touching that way" and I was so delighted that he caught the irony in that phrase.

Song Description

Taking one's life back at the end of a relationship.

Lyrics

RECLAIMING MY LIFE
Words and Music by Jill Detroit

VERSE 1: Things won't work out, so you say
Best to go our separate ways
Standing here looking at you
Wondering what I'm going to do
'Cause I hear the resignation in your voice
Telling me I have no choice

CHORUS: Starting today, I take back my life
Proclaim it mine to do with what I like
And I regain the power that always was mine
Now I'm reclaiming my life

VERSE 2: Time heals all wounds, so you say
Let time start healing today
We were so close, now we're far
Did I even know who you are?
Well, who you are and your identity
No longer matter to me
CHORUS

BRIDGE:What could you possibly say ?
To take all the heartache away?
Did you even notice?
Did you even see what you were doing to me?
Well, who I am and what you put me through
Seem unimportant to you

VERSE 3: We'll be in touch, so you say
But we won't be touching that way
I don't even know where you'll be
I just know it won't be with me
But where you live and what you're living for
Are not my concerns anymore
CHORUS