From the beginning Madilyn displayed deep care and concern for others. By as early as age seven, she was using songwriting as a way to express the joys and sorrows she saw people go through in life.
Madilyn knew she was onto something when a woman with tears brimming in her eyes approached her after hearing one of her songs. The woman was not only touched by her performance but amazed that Madilyn had written the song herself at such a young age. Her writing has developed and continues to connect with her audience in a special way. In Madilyn’s own words, “I hope my songs are relatable and are able to touch peoples’ hearts. My goal is to make people feel something when they listen.”
And Then There Was YouTube. Madilyn’s desire to reach more people with her music hit a wall almost right away. After all she comes from a very tiny town in northern Wisconsin. YouTube was a great resource and extended her audience.
After posting a few music videos with a close friend, Madilyn courageously uploaded her first solo video in the Fall of 2009. Her submission won a cover contest held by fellow YouTuber Kata Hay. That success was all the inspiration Madilyn needed to start her own channel. In November of the same year the Madilyn Bailey channel was launched.
Broken
Madilyn Bailey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph, I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
Gone away
The worst is over now and we can breathe again
And I wanna hold you high, and steal your pain away
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
And I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
Gone away (gone away)
It don't feel right (it don't feel right)
Gone away (you have gone away)
It don't feel right (it don't feel right)
When I'm broken and I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
When I'm broken and I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
Gone away (gone away)
It don't feel right (it don't feel right now)
Anymore (Mmm)
Gone away (Gone away)
It don't feel right
The song "Broken" by Madilyn Bailey is a poignant account of a relationship that has fallen apart. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer expresses how much they love the way their partner laughs and wants to take away their pain. The idea of holding someone high is one of upliftment, of offering support and strength, and the singer wants to do this for their loved one. The line "I keep your photograph, I know it serves me well" suggests that, even though the relationship has ended, the memories of the good times can still bring comfort and joy.
The chorus, which repeats twice throughout the song, is the heart of the message: "I'm broken when I'm open, I don't feel like I am strong enough, 'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome, I don't feel right when you're gone away." The repetition of the word "broken" emphasizes the singer's fragility and vulnerability, and the idea that they are not "strong enough" without their partner. The lines "when I'm lonesome, I don't feel right" highlight the importance of human connection and companionship. The repetition of "gone away" at the end of the chorus suggests that the singer is struggling to come to terms with the end of the relationship and is having a hard time moving on.
The second verse brings a ray of hope as the singer suggests that the worst is over, and they can finally breathe again. However, while there is hope for the future, there is also a sense of loss and a recognition that there is still much left to learn. The desire to "hold you high and steal your pain" reappears, suggesting that the singer still cares deeply for the other person and wants to help them heal. The final chorus repeats the same lines, but there is a sense of resignation in the final line: "It don't feel right anymore," suggesting that the singer has accepted that things will never be the way they once were.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanted you to know I love the way you laugh
I wanted to express my love to you by telling you how much I appreciate the sound of your laughter
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I want to lift you up and take away your emotional suffering from you
I keep your photograph, I know it serves me well
I hold on to your picture because it brings me comfort whenever I feel lonely
Cause I'm broken when I'm open, I don't feel like I am strong enough
Whenever I am vulnerable and exposed, I feel weak and incapable of facing my problems alone
Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome, I don't feel right when you're gone away
I feel incomplete and lost whenever you're not around to share my warmth and love with
The worst is over now and we can breathe again
Our past struggles are behind us, and we can finally take a moment to relax and enjoy each other's company
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
Even though we have overcome our difficulties, there is still much more to discover and explore together as a team
Gone away, it don't feel right
Your absence leaves me feeling uncomfortable and incomplete
When I'm broken and I'm open, and I don't feel like I am strong enough
My emotional fragility and vulnerability make me doubt my inner strength and resilience
When I'm broken and I'm lonesome, and I don't feel right when you're gone away
My loneliness amplifies my emotional pain and makes me yearn even more for your presence and love
Contributed by Scarlett H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MadilynBailey
This is one of my all time FAV songs EVER!!!! I mean Seether and Evanescence... can you ask for a better combo :) LOVed singing this one with ***** Hope you enjoy!!! Remember to SHARE!!! It helps SO much!!! Maddy <3
@GigaRebyc
I'm so glad you covered this!!
@lilmissmonarch8822
i loooooooooove it soooooo much <3 :D
@ErikStone
Wow Maddy,
getting goosebumps listening to you hit those high notes and the emotion you put into this song. Nice hearing the combination with Jake's voice too.
Thanks Maddy~ Erik
@TarynSouthern
So beautiful, as usual! Amazing. I really like this rendition as well...DOWNLOADED.
@visdom0
Thank you for another amazing cover Madilyn <3
@ConnorC97
The harmonies on this are flawless, especially towards the end, the emotion really spills out and it is wonderful
@JustinFrieberg
This is one of my favorite songs from the original artists. You guys did a great job with this duet to make it your own.
@tracey261
I like your spin on this song with just the piano. I love Seether and Amy Lee singing this. But glad that you and Jake as a duo made this song just as special. 🎆
@wibkeliesendahl4220
wow! got goosebumps all through the song. awesome cover! thank you for sharing