Story Behind The Song

I have generally written the music and the lyrics separately and then seen what fits together and "Misconnected" was one of the earliest efforts. The idea for the topic came while I was on an overseas trip during one of those evening discussions where people begin to open up as they get to know each other. One person told the story of how difficult it had been to sustain meaningful relationships as an adult because of a very difficult childhood marked by much distrust and lack of affection. It has always appeared true to me that an inability or unwillingness to communicate openly lies at the root of most conflicts, especially in interpersonal relationships. Whether the block is being honest and open with oneself or adequately expressing oneself to another the result is predictably unpleasant. Our experiences shape how much we can communicate and the ways we do with trust being both a root cause and casualty when we fall short. Our failures begin to trap us in a cycle of over or under compensation as we try to connect with others...in each case we end up misconnecting due to those negative experiences we've had.

Lyrics

When the vows and passions cool
We must express what is deep inside
A lifetime covering up is the stumbling block
Faltering trust leaves tongues twisted and tied
The trifles grow into typhoons
When one won't speak and one won't hear
Like waves marching out of the storm
Over an ocean of misunderstanding and fear

CHORUS
Confronting the threat of our common humanity
We recoil with fearful insanity
In this moment when we should find common cause.
People connecting with cold pre-conditions
Assume a mental defensive position
Hollow smile to conceal their fangs and claws

Compassion to heal that draws you in
Time and again mend a broken life
Against this wound there's no way to win
The missing piece is a jagged knife
Like the haunted inner-child
Mourns the innocence someone stole
All the love you can pour out
Drains like light into a black hole

CHORUS

Prison of our mind
Walls so stout
Shackled to the past
Can't reach out
Clasping desperately
Loving hands
Savior from ourselves
Graceful plan

CHORUS