In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, she made a return to the stage and, although bald from chemotherapy, performed a tribute to Janis Joplin with the song "Piece of My Heart". Etheridge's performance was widely lauded, with India.Arie writing "I Am Not My Hair" about Etheridge. Later that year, Etheridge released her first compilation album, Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled. The album was a huge success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard 200, and going Gold immediately. Her latest release is 4th Street Feeling.
Etheridge is known for her mixture of "confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals." She has also been an iconic gay and lesbian activist since her public coming out in January 1993.
Giant
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
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You tried to hold us back
You tried to make us wrong
You tried to make us crack
You wanted to see us cry
You wanted to see us leave
You didn't count on the tide
You didn't count on the pride
I am a giant
And you will not make me fall
And you will not make me crawl
I am a giant
And I'm not alone
Winds of change have blown
And the walls come tumbling down
And I've learned from my mistakes
Picked myself up off the floor
I have learned just what it takes
Now I am stronger than before
And we are standing side by side
We are determined now to win
We have come too far
And we've got the scars
And we are never going back into the shadows again
I am a giant
And you will not make me fall
And you will not make me crawl
I am a giant
And I'm not alone
Winds of change have blown
And the walls come tumbling down
I am a giant
I am a giant
Oh, hey hey hey hey hey hey
Bye bye
Oh, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Bye bye
I am a giant
Oh oh oh
I'm a giant
Bye bye, bye bye
Winds of change have blown
And I'm not alone
Winds of change have blown
And the walls come tumbling down
The lyrics to Melissa Etheridge's song "Giant" are about overcoming adversity and standing strong in the face of those who tried to hold you back. The song speaks to the idea that sometimes, people will try to knock you down, but no matter what happens, you have the power to rise above it all. The lyrics start by addressing the person or people who tried to hold the singer down, saying that they tried to make the singer feel small and insignificant, but ultimately failed. The singer then asserts that they are a giant, making it clear that they will not be broken or diminished by anyone else's attempts to hurt them.
Throughout the song, the singer describes the struggle to stand tall and stay strong despite facing obstacles, and the sense of liberation that comes with finally succeeding. The lyrics express the power of resilience and the ability to overcome all odds. At the end of the song, the singer says goodbye to those who tried to hold them back, but not before reminding everyone that they are a giant who cannot be defeated.
Overall, "Giant" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to stay strong and never give up, no matter how difficult the journey may be. Through its vivid imagery and soaring melody, the song leaves a lasting impression on anyone who hears it, inspiring a sense of hope and courage that lasts long after the music has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
You tried to hold us down
You attempted to prevent our progress and success.
You tried to hold us back
You tried to impede our advancement.
You tried to make us wrong
You attempted to prove us incorrect or false.
You tried to make us crack
You aimed to make us break under pressure.
You wanted to see us cry
You desired to witness our tears and suffering.
You wanted to see us leave
You yearned for our departure and loss.
You didn't count on the tide
You didn't expect the natural forces to work in our favor.
You didn't count on the pride
You didn't consider our strong sense of self-respect and dignity.
You didn't count on me
You didn't anticipate that I would emerge as a powerful force.
I am a giant
I am a formidable, powerful force.
And you will not make me fall
You will not be able to cause me to fail or falter.
And you will not make me crawl
You will not cause me to submit or accept defeat.
I'm not alone
I am supported and strengthened by others.
Winds of change have blown
External forces of change have arrived.
And the walls come tumbling down
Barriers and obstacles to progress are being removed.
And I've learned from my mistakes
I have gained knowledge and strength from my past errors.
Picked myself up off the floor
I have risen above difficulties and challenges.
I have learned just what it takes
I now understand what is necessary to succeed.
Now I am stronger than before
I have grown and become more powerful.
We are standing side by side
We are unified and supportive of each other.
We are determined now to win
We are resolute and committed to achieving victory.
We have come too far
We have already made too much progress to turn back.
And we've got the scars
We have the battle scars to show for our hard-won gains.
And we are never going back into the shadows again
We will never return to a place of obscurity and powerlessness.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Melissa Etheridge
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind