It’s funny Jay asked me to talk about this particular song… as I’ve been feeling rather “defeat-able” lately.  (Is that the opposite of invincible? :)   I don’t know about you, but for me… my own biggest enemy when it comes to ‘fighting the creative fight’ comes from within. 

Sometimes discouragement comes from a well-meaning person or from the feeling that you (and your secret creative super powers) are being totally ignored and completely unnoticed.  But as the lyrics of Invincible allude to…the real danger comes when I start to listen to the voices that rise up in my own head.

“They say it’s all in my mind - I hear it all the time

And the voices say that I’m - Not good enough for your love

I’ll never rise above the noise - my song won’t make it”

It’s weird to think of staying faithful to something as a battle,  but it most certainly is.  It’s so easy to give up, take a break, or just check-out and go on auto-pilot in our dreams and relationships.  When the pull to give in comes (which is often) I have to literally remind myself of who I am (out-loud) and rest in the fact that I was created to be this way.  It’s unconditional love (romantic, familial, friendship love or the Divine) that makes us invincible.  When we remember we are truly loved we can do anything.

The day this melody dropped into my head I carried it around with me until I could work on it.  The whole chorus came like a download…

“I am so much more than this - If you could feel my kiss 

You’d see the gold - deep inside of me

I am so much more than you know - and one day it will show

And then you’ll see - that I’m Invincible”

And all the while I was writing and producing the track it made me feel unstoppable.  I’d be in the pick-up line at my daughter’s school or at ALDI (God bless it!) and I’d chuckle to myself and think “Yeah, I’m getting groceries right now - but I’m secretly a bad-ass power ballad writer - woohoo!!”.  The song was like carrying around a little secret in my heart. Hey, everyone…I’m gonna humbly  work today, get groceries, and likely take crap from my kid…but ALSO…  

“I am so much more than this.”

Yesterday Jay said he wanted me to write about “Invincible” and needed it the next morning.  I filed that away and went on with the day. We’ve had a lot going on in our lives, and as I tried to sleep last night I was restless and gripped by fearful dreams.  I was already feeling discouraged, but laying awake all night worrying about it all… about did me in.  All I had left, was to pray and ask for some shred of comfort.

“Quietly I pray - the whispers start to fade - I’ll rise up and I won’t be afraid”

And so I did.  And though I honestly haven’t listened to this song in months the lyrics filled my heart - and over and over again I heard…

“You Make Me Invincible…  Yeah, You Make Me Invincible”

I began to believe it.  And that became my prayer - and I spoke it over and over.   The fear broke, peace came and I slept.

When I listened to the song this morning so I could write about it…I cried.  (I’m a crier…my daughter thinks its super embarrassing :).   But in hearing its melody I was reminded very clearly of who I am and why “my little songs” are worth making.

Don’t give in.  Your creativity (whatever it looks like) your dreams (no matter how silly they may seem at times) and the quest to live with purpose are so important.  The battle to stay true to the way you were made… is always worth the fight.

“I am so much more than this”.

And so are you.

"Invincible” - by Ann-Janette

Go ahead take your shot - But I will not let you walk all over me

Fire them one, two, three - Flying straight for me

But my shield is ready

Quietly I wait, plotting my escape - Nothing you can say could takemy faith

I am so much more than this - If you could feel my kiss 

You’d see the gold - deep inside of me

I am so much more than you know - and one day it will show

           

And then you’ll see - that I’m Invincible

They say it’s all in my mind - I hear it all the time

And the voices say that I’m - Not good enough for your love

                                       

I’ll never rise above the noise - my song won’t make it

Quietly I pray - the whispers start to fade - I’ll rise up and I won’t be afraid

I am so much more than this - If you could feel my kiss 

You’d see the gold - deep inside of me

I am so much more than you know - and one day it will show

           

And then you’ll see - that I’m Invincible

One - two - three - fire away

I won’t hear you - I’ll push it away, gonna push it away

I’ll push it away

Words from outside in, thoughts from inside - won’t get in the way

They won’t get in the way - won’t get in my way

Cause You Make me Invincible, Invincible

You Make me Invincible, Invincible

Quietly I pray - voices start to fade - I’ll rise up and I won’t be afraid...

I am so much more than this - If you could feel my kiss 

You’d see the gold - deep inside of me

I am so much more than you know - and one day it will show

           

And then you’ll see - that I’m Invincible

You make me invincible, invincible 

You make me invincible, invincible  -  invincible….

You make me invincible, invincible 

You make me invincible, invincible  -  invincible….