The daughter of a psychologist/novelist and a programmer/songwriter, Blanton was raised on an ex-cattle farm in rural Virginia, soaking up the mountains and the music of John Prine and Joni Mitchell. After a few years spent with her ears peeled to everything from modern folk to Motown to vintage jazz, sixteen-year-old Blanton found herself toting her Taylor across the country to Eugene, OR to be a starving artist (with brief stints as a dog groomer, and later as a grantwriter).
In fall of 2006, Blanton moved back east of Philadelphia. Following her move she shared the stage with nationally hailed acts including Amos Lee, Nellie McKay and Leon Redbone, embarked on a US/Canadian tour supporting Blue Note recording artists The Wood Brothers, and frequented renowned venues from the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA to Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, CA.
Battle
Carsie Blanton Lyrics
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and it’s more than I can take
and it’s tearing me apart
and its keeping me awake
when I’m lying in my bed
in the quiet of the dark
I’m headed into battle in my heart
if I make it through the night
there’s a battle in my heart
should I go or should I stay?
if I stay where do I start?
if I go what do I say?
well there ain’t no way to win
I’d defect if I was smart
but I’m headed into battle in my heart
and I swear that I won’t go down without a fight
if I make it through the night
there’s a battle going on
can’t you hear the battle cries?
can’t you smell the powder burnin?
can’t you see it in my eyes?
there’s fire in the trenches
and shelling from the skies
but I’m lying here defenseless
I know I won’t survive
the battle in my heart
The lyrics describe a personal struggle within the singer's heart that feels overwhelming and is causing them distress. The internal conflict is described as a battle that is tearing them apart and keeping them awake at night, highlighting the intense emotional turmoil they are experiencing. Despite the challenging nature of this inner struggle, the singer resolves not to give up without a fight, showing their determination and resilience in facing their difficulties head-on.
The decision of whether to stay or go is a central theme in the lyrics, reflecting the uncertainty and indecision that the singer is grappling with. This choice seems to carry significant weight for the singer, as staying means facing a difficult journey of self-discovery and growth, while leaving raises questions about where to begin anew. The inability to see a clear path to victory or resolution in this internal battle adds to the complexity of the singer's dilemma.
The vivid imagery of a battle scene is used to convey the intensity and chaos of the emotional turmoil within the singer's heart. The references to battle cries, the smell of burning powder, and the visuals of fire and shelling paint a picture of a fierce and dramatic inner conflict. The singer's feelings of being defenseless and not expecting to survive suggest a sense of resignation or acceptance of the difficulty of the situation they are facing.
Overall, the lyrics capture the raw and emotional struggle of internal conflict, depicting a challenging battle within the singer's heart that feels insurmountable at times. The imagery and language used convey the intensity of the emotional turmoil and the singer's determination to confront their struggles with courage and resilience, highlighting the complexity and depth of the personal journey they are on.
Line by Line Meaning
there’s a battle in my heart
I am struggling internally with conflicting emotions or decisions
and it’s more than I can take
The intensity of the battle is overwhelming me
and it’s tearing me apart
The battle is causing me emotional distress and pain
and its keeping me awake
The battle is causing me anxiety and preventing me from sleeping
when I’m lying in my bed
Even in moments of stillness and solitude
in the quiet of the dark
During times of reflection or introspection
I’m headed into battle in my heart
I am preparing to face my internal struggles head-on
but I swear that I won’t go down without a fight
I am determined to confront and overcome my internal battles
if I make it through the night
If I am able to endure the emotional turmoil
should I go or should I stay?
I am unsure whether to take action or remain stagnant
if I stay where do I start?
If I choose not to act, how do I begin to address my internal struggles?
if I go what do I say?
If I decide to take action, how do I communicate my feelings or intentions?
well there ain’t no way to win
There is no clear or easy solution to my internal conflicts
I’d defect if I was smart
I would avoid or escape the battle if I were more rational
and I swear that I won’t go down without a fight
I am committed to facing my internal battles with determination and strength
there’s a battle going on
The internal struggle is ongoing and intense
can’t you hear the battle cries?
The emotional turmoil is evident in my words or actions
can’t you smell the powder burnin?
The intensity of the conflict is palpable and disruptive
can’t you see it in my eyes?
My inner turmoil is reflected in my outward appearance
there’s fire in the trenches
The emotional battle is fierce and relentless
and shelling from the skies
I am facing challenges and obstacles from multiple directions
but I’m lying here defenseless
I feel vulnerable and unable to protect myself
I know I won’t survive
I am aware that I may not come out of this internal struggle unscathed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CARSIE BLANTON, RIC ROBERTSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind