Story Behind The Song

I was very uncomfortable joining hands in prayer at the end of AA meetings so I quit doing it, and I wrote this song describing the struggle of someone who wants the support of other sober people but not the cultish elements of 12-step ideology. Out of respect for the principles I do agree with, I absolved myself by sticking the Serenity Prayer into a serious Honors Pop song that includes big drums, accordion, steel drums and interesting chord changes. The song was originally entitled "... But I Can't Pray In Public."

Song Description

A creative, introspective pop-rock criticism of 12-step ideology that makes the very Serenity Prayer its chorus. A catchy melody and big drums with accordion and steel drum mix with affected rhythms and rock guitar in unexpected chord progressions. This is a highly musical and self-examining display, and I'm not aware of another rock song that speaks so directly to agnostic and atheist people who struggle with the pressure of group spirituality in AA. "But I've grown accustomed to this open mind... and I wouldn't want it to be easy."

Lyrics

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things that I cannot change
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference

Give me your permission to choose
how I can believe in you
Give me something to diffuse my concentration
It's so hard to talk to you
but I know that love is true
so is there something I can do to join the group

God, why did you bless me with blasphemy
for it wasn't to show me who's in control
if I could relax my state of mind
sit back and enjoy some silence

Then I suppose that I would really be praying
and I wouldn't be so concerned with our disguises
but I've grown accustomed to this open mind
I'm so reluctant to unwind
and establish my own answers
and I wouldn't want it to be easy

But fear is the thief of dreams
Fear is the thief of dreams
fear is the thief of dreams