Fallen Angel

Album: Human (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On the album's fourth single, Three Days Grace taps into the feeling of helplessness that occurs when a loved one is in pain. The song was based on drummer Neil Sanderson's childhood memories of witnessing his mother's grief over losing her husband and one of her sons.

    "It's probably the most personal song I've been part of writing," he told Artist Direct. "The guys were really supportive for me to dig deep into a pretty dark time of my life. I was just a young boy. I'd lost my dad and my brother in the same year. It was only as an adult that I realized the gravity of the situation. That song talks about my mother. I didn't realize how much torment she was going through but still putting on a strong face to make us feel like everything was going to be okay. Was it hard to write? Definitely. To be able to lay it all out there was hard, but I'm glad I did. That's something a lot of people go through. It's real, and it's not shiny. It's reality. That is common on this record. The biggest thing for me is when a fan comes up and says, 'That song changed my life. When I hear that song, it makes me think of what happened to me and what I'm going through. That song made me realize I'm not alone, and I'm not the only person who goes through these things. For an artist to hear that from a fan is the most powerful things ever. It's one of the most important and gratifying things about being in Three Days Grace. If we can put into words what people are going through, that's amazing. We're just talking about real s---."
  • Guitarist Barry Stock added his perspective on the tune: "This one had a deep story. It's really about being there for someone when you feel helpless. They're in a troubled place, and you just feel helpless. Neil told this story we thought would be cool to sing and talk about. As a child, he'd listen to his mother late at night. It was very personal to him. Neil would go to bed at night. His mom would be strong all day, and then he'd hear his mom crying. That's where that story came from. He felt helpless as a young guy. Someone around you is going through tough times, and you feel helpless. The song's pretty much about that. You want to help them, but what do you do?" >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jake - Virginia, for above two

Comments: 2

  • Ken from DenverI have DID one of my alters chose this song for me, the main consciousness. It means a lot to us.
  • Ben And Ninett from MissouriThis reminds me, when the Lord sent me to escort souls down into their mother's wombs before birth. Prior too, I'd not known the meaning of pain or dark, or hurt. I rested on my fathers shoulders. The last thing my heavenly father said was, don't fall! Don't fall and leave me here alone, don't leave me bleeding in Love. Come home son...

    Having to hold the lines and focus on the lights, trying to watch souls as they depart the world and fly up into the host of Angles. Like Levels. Falling up!

    My last mission was to learn how to Love without borders.....
    My wife my love was born in central America. I was born in the USA. She was 24 when God showed her to me.... It took almost 4 years before we dated exclusively. Having only dated a couple of weeks when we first met. She was more. Focuses on her career and being a youth pastor. So I just waited.
    Now we've been together more than 17 years married for over 13 years. Life isn't 100% but that's because this world is very money and material focused. God help us! Lead us daily. The Final fight Love wins. Love Remains. Kindness is #1, and we go Fourth to be an example onto the World.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Facebook, Bromance and Email - The First Songs To Use New Words

Facebook, Bromance and Email - The First Songs To Use New WordsSong Writing

Where words like "email," "thirsty," "Twitter" and "gangsta" first showed up in songs, and which songs popularized them.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.