The Black Dog

Don't look away because I'm getting real with it
Talking about depression how it feels and how to deal with it
It's something that money and cars and women won't heal
So listen for a minute while I lay it down for real
You can't understand it if you haven't been through
So I'm going to try to paint a verbal picture for you

They call it the Black Dog
He comes and goes without please
He brings the black cloud
That will force you to your knees
That dark bubble that engulfs and surrounds your clear mind
Will leave you clouded and full of bad thoughts the worst kind

The first time I had a taste I thought today's a bad day
Two months later still nothing has gone my way
Motivation is gone sleep sleep away for so long
It's a sad song and if you change channels these thoughts will be gone
But that's not how it works
You have no choice in this matter
Medication or toughen up
I always had to choose the latter

If a man was on a ledge I would know just what to say
Because I admit I talk myself down every day
It's inherent it's genetic
Not something I chose
But I choose to expel it
Using deft verbal prose

A good day for some can leave me cowering in fear
Because I feel the Black Dog
His growling is so near
A friend said she should ask people how their day is more often
A friend can chase those clouds and make those dark thoughts soften
I've been in a place I never thought I'd return from
I've been at my lowest and heard people say I'm wrong
Saying that I'm weak and that my courage is worthless
When I just can't escape I crave a life that is curseless

Keep your head up and just remember one thing
Lightning strikes from the ground up
So find your power within
Find something that lights your fire and something to hold on to
Tell yourself it's worth living even if you don't want to

If you suffer I suffer we are in this together
I will keep watch regardless of weather
The Black Dog scares me but I'm strong and I know it
You have the power too and I'll help you to show it

Depression is real but it's never your fault though
If you're in this with me then I just want you to know
I love you and you're needed so please keep on going
I'm trying to save us all with the hope that I'm sowing

Smile today because tomorrow might be bad
But regardless of mental illness I'm alive and I'm glad