“The Alchemy” from TTPD
At Swift Steps, we use lyrics and songs to reflect on our own experiences with addiction, mental health, and recovery—both mine and our members.
This week's song struck a chord with many of us, leading to some amazing discussions and insights. I want to assure you that I will never share what our members discuss because of our confidentiality promises.
However, I do gather my own thoughts before the meetings, and I’m excited to share them with you each week!
“I want to assure you that I will never share what our members discuss because of our confidentiality promises.“
This week’s song is "The Alchemy” from TTPD.
If you wanna take a listen:
Verse 1
“This happens once every few lifetimes
These chemicals hit me like white wine
“These lines remind me of those early detox days when I was struggling to admit I had a problem. ”
What if I told you I'm back?
The hospital was a drag
Worst sleep that I ever had
I circled you on a map
I haven't come around in so long
But I'm coming back so strong”
These lines remind me of those early detox days when I was struggling to admit I had a problem. The chemicals were like a temporary escape. Detox was the worst, I hardly slept. I was trying to find my way back to my true self and reconnect with loved ones after being away for so long.
Chorus
“So when I touch down
Call the amateurs and
Cut 'em from the team
Ditch the clowns, get the crown
Baby I'm the one to beat
'Cause the sign on your heart
Said it's still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?”
The chorus is all about victory and reclaiming your spot. For me, coming back from addiction felt like a triumphant return. I had to cut out negative influences and take back my life. The sign on the heart symbolizes the love and connections that survived. It’s about recognizing my own resilience and strength.
“For me, coming back from addiction felt like a triumphant return.”
Verse 2
“This verse is about forgiveness and reconciliation. ”
“Hey you, what if I told you we're cool?
That child's play back in school
Is forgiven under my rule
I haven't come around in so long
But I'm making a comeback to where I belong”
This verse is about forgiveness and reconciliation. My marriage was strained by addiction, and mending those past hurts was crucial. Even though we’re divorced now, the idea of coming back strong and reclaiming my place resonates deeply. It’s a reminder of the power of forgiveness and personal growth.
“It’s a reminder of the power of forgiveness and personal growth.”
Chorus
“So when I touch down
“The crown is a victory symbol, showing confidence in my recovery journey. The sign on the heart is about the enduring connections and belief in myself.”
Call the amateurs and
Cut 'em from the team
Ditch the clowns, get the crown
Baby I'm the one to beat
'Cause the sign on your heart
Said it's still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?”
Repetition in the chorus drives home the determination to reclaim my life and get rid of negative influences. The crown is a victory symbol, showing confidence in my recovery journey. The sign on the heart is about the enduring connections and belief in myself.
Verse 3
“These blokes warm the benches
We been on a winning streak
He jokes that it's heroin but this time with an "E"
'Cause the sign on your heart said it's still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?”
This verse is all about transformation and empowerment. The joke about "heroin but this time with an 'E'" hits differently now. Instead of seeking highs from substances, I became a heroine in my own story. Staying sober is my true superpower, something I never thought I’d achieve.
“The joke about “heroin but this time with an ‘E’” hits differently now. Instead of seeking highs from substances, I became a heroine in my own story.”
Bridge
“Shirts off, and your friends lift you up over their heads
Beer sticking to the floor
“The celebration and triumph here capture the joy of overcoming obstacles. ”
Cheers chanted, 'cause they said
There was no chance, trying to be
The greatest in the league
Where's the trophy?
He just comes running over to me”
The celebration and triumph here capture the joy of overcoming obstacles. This reminds me of the night I got my one-year sobriety coin. My brother hugged me and told me he was proud, symbolizing the hard-earned success and realization of my worth and accomplishments. The support from friends mirrored the support I got during my recovery journey.
Chorus
“Touch down
Call the amateurs and
Cut 'em from the team
Ditch the clowns, get the crown
Baby I'm the one to beat
'Cause the sign on your heart
Said it's still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?”
The final chorus reaffirms themes of triumph and reclamation. The repeated lines emphasize my determination to maintain my place and the enduring connection supporting my journey. The alchemy of transformation, from addiction and struggle to strength and love, encapsulates my experience.
Conclusion
Every verse and chorus of "The Alchemy" mirrors my journey through addiction and recovery. It’s a song about hope, determination, and triumph over struggles, reminding me of the importance of resilience and the power of enduring love.
“The alchemy of transformation, from addiction and struggle to strength and love, encapsulates my experience.”
Feeling connected to this reflection? Join us for our next Swift Steps meeting where we explore the emotional challenges of growth, love, and recovery. Our community is here to support you.
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