Her official website: http://www.kendallpayne.com/
Touch
Kendall Payne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am bare and he is staring, we are trapped and caged like animals
I am small it isn't fitting. I am screaming but no one's listening
Don't touch me, Don't touch me there
I forgot what it feels like to feel safe, I forgot what it feels like to feel brave
A shattered soul never heals, this heart of flesh has turned to steal
I've forgotten how to feel
He liked her, he liked her that way
He broke her she has never been the same
Can you imagine? Can you fathom such a place where evil spreads it's seed?
It's upon us, It's beneath us, It's up to us to do something
He liked her, he liked her that way…
Listen little children to the story of a girl who found her knight and shining armor
When he saved her from the dragon he was strong and not afraid that there was
Smoke and there was fire and they lived happily ever after in his castle far away
Listen little children to the story of a girl
who lost her way in the dark
She was searching for a hero to save her but instead she found a monster
He was cunning, he was cruel, and he left her with a broken heart
Don't touch me, Don't touch me there
The lyrics to Kendall Payne's "Touch" deal with the sensitive subject of sexual abuse and trauma. The song reflects the feelings of a victim who has been stripped of her sense of safety and security. The use of "Don't touch me, Don't touch me there" highlights the violation of personal boundaries and the intense fear that the victim feels. It is as if the victim is reliving the traumatic experience and is overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness.
The second verse suggests how the trauma has impacted the victim's ability to trust and feel secure. The lyrics "A shattered soul never heals, this heart of flesh has turned to steel, I've forgotten how to feel" indicate that the victim may have become emotionally numb and unable to connect with others. The mention of a "heart of flesh" turning to "steel" implies a loss of vulnerability and a hardening of emotions in order to protect oneself from further harm.
The third verse is a contrast between two stories. The first story is a fairytale where a knight saves the princess from danger and they live happily ever after. The second story is the reality of how the victim's search for a hero led to further harm. The use of the fairytale motif highlights the stark contrast between the idealized perfect world and the gritty realities of sexual trauma.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't touch me, Don't touch me there
The singer is in a vulnerable situation and doesn't want to be touched without consent.
I am bare and he is staring, we are trapped and caged like animals
The singer is exposed and in a powerless situation, feeling trapped and unable to escape the scrutiny of someone who is staring at them.
I am small it isn't fitting. I am screaming but no one's listening
The singer feels powerless and disregarded, unable to make their voice heard in a situation that is overwhelming them.
I forgot what it feels like to feel safe, I forgot what it feels like to feel brave
The artist has experienced trauma that has left them feeling unsafe and stripped them of their confidence.
A shattered soul never heals, this heart of flesh has turned to steal
The artist's emotional wounds have left them irreparably damaged, forcing them to become hardened and unfeeling as a means of survival.
He liked her, he liked her that way
Someone had romantic interest in the singer, but their actions have caused lasting harm despite their intentions.
He broke her she has never been the same
The person who liked the singer has hurt them deeply, leaving them fundamentally changed as a result.
Can you imagine? Can you fathom such a place where evil spreads it's seed?
The artist is calling attention to the way that evil can seemingly spread and fester in certain environments.
It's upon us, It's beneath us, It's up to us to do something
The responsibility to act against evil and protect the vulnerable is on everyone.
Listen little children to the story of a girl who found her knight and shining armor
The artist is telling a story that is often used to represent the promise of safety and security, but that rarely reflects reality.
Contributed by Alaina E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
IdrilCelebrindal90
"When he saved her from the dragon he was strong and not afraid that there was smoke and there was fire..." BEST PART OF THE SONG!
Ally Harriman
can this song be anymore beautiful?!?! i cry everytime i hear her song 'Fatherless at 14' how can some ppl not even know who she is?!?! love her <3
Poetry of Birds
What a beautiful, moving song.
octotonicflow
love this song! <3333
funandlala
This song is so beautiful, it hurts. :'(
Susanne Nijkamp
I love this song..
Bryan Heacock
this song really makes you think it makes me wanna cry wow i mean wow
chaa cha
magnifique :)
Madeleine Turner
I honestly did not understand this song until I read Gary Haugan's "Terrify No More." It has been years since I heard this song, I first heard it in 2007 when I was 14, but once I read the book this song came to mind. I'm going to Cambodia in January to see human trafficking first hand, and meet with IJM people.
funandlala
4:54 and they lived happily ever after in his castle far away. ♡