Raised i… Read Full Bio ↴Gossling is singer/songwriter Helen Croome from Australia.
Raised in country Victoria, Australia, Croome developed her musical interests thanks to family and the strong music culture of Albury/Wodonga.
Her wise older brother kept her up-to-date with contemporary artists, whilst her parents’ music collection introduced her to the musical greats of Bach, Bowie and Meatloaf.
Putting music to one side to study Psychology/Sociology at University, Croome soon realised that she was skipping more classes than attending, in favour of sitting in her dorm room to teach herself guitar and make her first attempts at songwriting. With persuasion from her psychology marks, Croome brought music back to the centre of her life and switched courses to a Bachelor of Music (Composition). It was during this time that Croome met the musicians that join her now as Gossling.
Musically, Gossling has a tender, sweet style that is both distinctive and alluring. A characteristic of Gossling’s songwriting style includes the mixing of heart-felt lyrics, which are simple yet absorbing with graceful, memorable melodies. Her songs are penned with a ’20-something’ perspective on life, however relate across generations.
Challenge
Gossling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're the reason that I never feel completely safe within my song
All the little thoughts that come my way, are hard to balance with my own
It's all these words that will break me, tear my dreams and lead this momentum to stall
I challenge you to show, you're safe behind that masquerade
I challenge you to show, do you see all that you have made?
The trouble starts when I'm feeling low and then a want of knowing lurks
Choosing not to think about such thoughts, a constant battle with my mind
Feeling down is a constant pull I'm never gonna see it disappear.
I challenge you to show, you're safe behind that masquerade
I challenge you to show, do you see all that you have made?
I challenge you to show, you're safe behind that masquerade
I challenge you to show, do you see all that you have made?
Hurtful ways are found, in words that have no sound
Awful words fall hard, upon me
Doubtful thoughts surround, from words that have no sound
Desperate words that were born from what?
I challenge you to show, you're safe behind that masquerade
I challenge you to show, do you see all that you have made?
I challenge you to show, you're safe behind that masquerade
I challenge you to show, do you see all that you have made?
In "Challenge" by Gossling, the singer contemplates the power of words and their effect on her. She begins by saying that she keeps the words of someone else in her pocket, as they seem to weaken her and prevent her from feeling truly strong. The person she addresses appears to cause her anxiety, as the singer never feels fully secure in her own thoughts and creations. The words of others, which come to her regularly, are a challenge to balance with her own ideas. These words, in fact, are "all these words that will break me, tear my dreams and lead this momentum to stall." It is as though one person's words can derail the singer's internal momentum and destroy her own vision for her life.
The singer then challenges this person to show who they are behind the mask they wear. They seem to be presenting a façade, and the singer is urging them to reveal their true self. The repeating line "do you see all that you have made?" suggests that this person may not fully understand the impact their words have on the singer and the world around them. Hurtful words, the singer notes, are often unspoken. They can fall hard upon her and create lingering doubt and desperation.
Overall, "Challenge" is a song about the power of words and the effect they can have on an individual's sense of self and creativity. The person the singer addresses is a challenge to her own vision, and she wishes to know whether they understand the impact they have. The repetition of the chorus adds urgency to the request, suggesting that the singer is seeking resolution and a move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Got your words in my pocket, keep them with me so I never get too strong
I hold onto your words and keep them with me always so I won't become too confident or strong.
You're the reason that I never feel completely safe within my song
Your influence leaves me insecure and unsure, even when I should feel comfortable in my own creativity.
All the little thoughts that come my way, are hard to balance with my own
I struggle to navigate my own thoughts when they're overrun by the opinions and ideas of others.
It's all these words that will break me, tear my dreams and lead this momentum to stall
The weight of your words threaten to shatter my aspirations and impede my progress.
I challenge you to show, you're safe behind that masquerade
I dare you to reveal your true intentions and motives, and to put down the facade that obscures them.
I challenge you to show, do you see all that you have made?
I challenge you to look around you and recognize the impact of your actions.
No matter how many times I say I won't I'm gonna listen to your words
Despite my efforts to resist, I'm inevitably drawn to hear what you have to say.
The trouble starts when I'm feeling low and then a want of knowing lurks
I'm most susceptible to your influence when I'm feeling vulnerable and searching for answers.
Choosing not to think about such thoughts, a constant battle with my mind
Ignoring your harmful ideas is a daily struggle for me and takes a toll on my mental state.
Feeling down is a constant pull I'm never gonna see it disappear.
My emotional lows are a persistent force and I doubt they'll ever truly go away.
Hurtful ways are found, in words that have no sound
Even when you don't speak directly, your words can still harm and wound me.
Awful words fall hard, upon me
Your negative and hurtful words deeply impact me.
Doubtful thoughts surround, from words that have no sound
You make me question myself and my abilities, even when you don't say anything at all.
Desperate words that were born from what?
I'm left wondering where your harsh and desperate words came from and what motivates them.
Contributed by Oliver C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.