RH Jukebox: Chen Kai

Song of the Week winner | RHecharge

SOTW: Head above water

Artist: Avril Lavigne

This week's SOTW is Head Above Water, by Avril Lavigne, and the winner discovered it through instagram stories and was captivated by the way Avril sings. According to the winner, "it's so powerful it really makes you feel motivated, and especially with the lyrics, it's just so empowering."

Further research reveals the song was written when Lavinge was battling Lyme disease. Below is how Lavinge explains herself:

"One night I thought I was dying, and I had accepted that I was going to die. My mom laid with me in bed and held me. I felt like I was drowning. Under my breath, I prayed, 'God, please help to keep my head above the water.' In that moment, the songwriting of this album began."

Yet we do not need to know the story behind a song for it to motivate us. In fact, this week's winner admitted "there isn't really any sentimental value" in the song for them, but a means to express themselves through dance. This highlights that there are many valid ways of engaging with music; Perhaps, motivational music is powerful because of its universality in not only describing the artists struggles, but also vocalising the struggles of its listeners to give them hope.

Lyrics:

I've gotta keep the calm before the storm

I don't want less, I don't want more

Must bar the windows and the doors

To keep me safe, to keep me warm

Yeah, my life is what I'm fighting for

Can't part the sea, can't reach the shore

And my voice becomes the driving force

I won't let this pull me overboard

God, keep my head above water

Don't let me drown, it gets harder

I'll meet you there at the altar

As I fall down to my knees

Don't let me drown, drown, drown

Don't let me, don't let me, don't let me drown

So pull me up from down below

'Cause I'm underneath the undertow

Come dry me off and hold me close

I need you now, I need you most

God, keep my head above water

Don't let me drown, it gets harder

I'll meet you there at the altar

As I fall down to my knees

Don't let me drown, drown, drown

Don't let me, don't let me, don't let me drown

Don't let me drown, drown, drown

Keep my head above water, above water

And I can't see in the stormy weather

I can't seem to keep it all together

And I, I can't swim the ocean like this forever

And I can't breathe

God, keep my head above water

I lose my breath at the bottom

Come rescue me, I'll be waiting

I'm too young to fall asleep

God, keep my head above water

Don't let me drown, it gets harder

I'll meet you there at the altar

As I fall down to my knees

Don't let me drown

Don't let me drown (don't let me, don't let me, don't let me drown)

Don't let me drown (don't let me, don't let me, don't let me drown)

Keep my head above water, above water