I Am Broken Too

Album: Atonement (2019)
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Songfacts®:

  • Like many of the tracks on Atonement, this soaring song came out of a trying and turbulent period for Killswitch Engage. In the middle of working on the album, the band's singer, Jesse Leach, needed surgery after a polyp developed scar tissue in his throat. The intense three-month recovery ended with speech, vocal and scream therapy.

    Leach told Loudwire: "That song actually is written about somebody else, which was a unique way to deal with it seeing how they processed it and then putting myself in the narrative. I'm talking to somebody; it's a conversation that's happening. You kind of need dark times and tragedy to inspire songs that dig that deep. I think anyone can relate to that. If you're happy - if I write a song about happiness, it's not gonna really strike you in the same way. I guess you do have to go through pain to write stuff that's that meaty and inspirational."
  • Leach wrote on Instagram that the song is one that "means more to me than almost any other one I have ever written."
  • Jesse Leach wrote the song about someone he's close to who had a breakdown. He told Alternative Press: "It was somebody who was living a 'normal life.' On paper, you would look at this person and think he's got it made, he's doing great."

    Leach added: "It was a perfect way for me to write a song that isn't just an anthem but can raise awareness and connect with the listener and make people feel less alone in this world if they're dealing with mental health issues."
  • The lyric video features Jesse Leach's handwritten lyrics. He said about the song, "I wanted the listener to feel the urgency, the heaviness of the topic as well as a possible connection. Many people suffer from mental illness in one form or another. I want nothing more than for people to feel like they are not alone in this struggle.

    There is always someone there to help, to listen, and to be there for you. Don't lose hope and don't let your brokenness consume you. Broken can be fixed, or at the very least, maintained. No one is alone in this fight."
  • Proceeds from the song are being donated to Chicago-based Hope For The Day. The nonprofit organization focuses on suicide prevention by providing resources and education through the use of music and arts.
  • The emotional video follows a man who's struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction and thoughts of suicide. The clip was shot by director and animator Kyle Cogan and filmmaker/photographer Zack Stauffer of Simian Design (A Perfect Circle, Breaking Benjamin). It was shot in the Los Angeles area.

Comments: 1

  • Bb Sherdee Girl from Watersmeet MichiganYeah I understand The song is a story of my own life with Depression &PTSD & Drug addict ion ,...It's a never ending battle with one's self .......I love my life & it's problems s U live & learn from them ........I would never change nothing that happen to Me in my life good Or Bad .........For I'm learning ....life ..Jus sayen I'm thankful to be ....ALIVE !!! Peace & Love to All !!!Man Shirley lynn Kashich
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