When I read the letter, I wanted to write a song.  It seems that more people are struggling with emotional issues and spiritual issues than ever before – issues of depression and anxiety.  Maybe there needed to be a song that can help express those feelings and emotions.  When I wrote this song, I was concerned that it had a tone that was too depressing, too much of a downer, and that may still be true, but I think that there is still hope expressed in the song.  It is just that sometimes what we are going through is not easily described.  We know that there is a way out; we may even already have faith that we will make it through;  but right now, it hurts.

This song certainly doesn’t propose to solve any of the issues I have described, but maybe it helps each of us (even those not going through such struggles) to gain a little bit more understanding.  Yes, the Savior knows what each us is going through, and He does know how each of us feels, and He may be the only one.  And yes, He did overcome them for us, completely and in reality.  But sometimes it still hurts.

It Hurts

Where are the words,   that might express,    how I feel?

Where is the song,   that might support   my heart until

I can see again with elevated eyes?

I’m going down and my hands are tied, how can I arise?

I’m falling - my hands are tied behind my back, my soul cries aloud.

I know that I need to rise above this, but I just don’t know how.

And when I try,   deep down inside…   it hurts.

Why must my life   be filled with all this struggle?

Can’t I just live   without the need to   jug  gle

All these battles that I experience today?

Will they teach me the things I need to learn along the way?

I’m falling - my hands are tied behind my back, my face hits the ground.

I know that I need to rise above this, but I just don’t know how.

And when I try,   deep down inside…   it hurts.

I know that the pain can’t be taken too soon;

The butterfly will perish, if helped from its cocoon.

I need to remember the vic’try's been won;

He descended below all pain, with “Thy will be done.”

I’m falling - my hands are tied behind my back, my soul cries aloud.

I know that I need to rise above this, please show me how.

‘Cause when I try,   deep down inside…   it hurts.

I know that I need to rise above this, please teach me how.

‘Cause when I try,   deep down inside…   it hurts.

I need You near,   I know You know…   it hurts.