Story Behind The Song

"Fight to Live Another Day" is a collaboration between songwriters Hannah Busse and Jon Nelson, who met online despite living oceans apart. Jon wrote the lyrics, telling two powerful stories of resilience. One story is about his father, who rebuilt his home after a fire at age 87. The other is about Jessie, a family friend born with a severe disability who was expected to live only two years but is now thriving in her twenties. After crafting the lyrics, Jon asked Hannah to bring them to life through music. Hannah enlisted the help of several musicians to record the song, including Coliér McNair, whose soulful, blues-gospel vocals elevate the song's climax. The song's artwork features a photograph of Jon's father, taken years ago by photographer John Howe, known for capturing the stories of war veterans. This image honors the spirit of perseverance that runs through the song, making it a tribute to all who fight to live another day.

Song Description

"Fight to Live Another Day" is a soulful new piano blues-rock single about human perseverance in the face of adversity. The song is a collaboration between songwriters Jon Nelson and Hannah Busse; Jon's personal lyrics about his father and a family friend were brought to life musically by Hannah. Featured vocalist Coliér McNair adds his gritty blues-gospel touch to the song's powerful ending.

Lyrics

Johnny carries the wound that he got in the war
His legs don't serve him like they did before
His mates from the Air Force are mostly all gone
They've fought the good fight but he presses on
He lost all he had in a high mountain fire
His friends said, "You're old now, it's time to retire"
His friends said to sell up, but he said, "I'll stay
And fight to live another day"

Now he's a hundred, still living at home
With a heart full of thanks for the life he has known
He knows what it means to not run away
And fight to live another day

When Jessie was born, the doctors said, "No --
She's never gonna make it past two years old"
Her father said, "Jesus, don't let our child go"
Her mother said, "Doctors! What do they know?
"They think we should give up and just go away
But we're gonna pester and argue and pray
They think they'll erase us but here we will stay
And fight
And fight, and fight"

Now Jessie is twenty and out on her own
With her dog and her friends, a job and a home
She knows what it means to not run away
And fight to live another day

Fight... Fight...
Fight... to live another day
Fight... Fight...
Fight... to live another day
Fight... Fight...
Fight... to live another day
Fight... Fight...
Fight... to live another day
Fight... Fight...
Fight... to live another day