“9. The Woods and the door” from The House That Trauma Built by Li Jean-Luc Harris. Released: 2026. Track 9.
Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
I came back to the streets where my story began
Thought this was the chapter the healing would land
A great rebirth in my childhood town
But I got caught up as the sun went down
With a difficult crowd and a welcoming haze
It started for fun in those first few days
A recreational escape, a laugh and a light
Just something to get me through the long, lonely night.
(Verse 2)
It was a new kind of quiet, a different escape
Another medicated mess in a different shape
Cannabis was the start, a familiar retreat
Then the buzz of amphetamines, bitter and sweet
But the fun started fading, a ghost in the air
Replaced by a hunger, a venomous prayer
And the whisper of Spice just to get me to sleep
The promises got cheaper, the hole got too deep.
(Chorus)
And you were my anchor in a chemical sea
The only damn thing that held on to me
You kept my head down, but you kept me warm at night
My only companion under the harsh street light
I needed a hit just to get through the day
Lost on the streets with nothing to say.
(Verse 3)
This wasn’t the plan, this wasn’t the dream
Just a kid running out of his own self-esteem
The drugs were my home when the world locked the door
The less that I had, I just wanted you more
You were the fire when the winter bit deep
The silent companion who’d watch me to sleep
A warmth that I paid for with pieces of soul
Just to feel something other than out of control.
(Chorus)
And you were my anchor in a chemical sea
The only damn thing that held on to me
You kept my head down, but you kept me warm at night
My only companion under the harsh street light
I needed a hit just to get through the day
Lost on the streets with nothing to say.
(Bridge)
But I grew so tired of this dangerous game
Of waking up sick and whispering my name
Just to see if the person I was, was still there
Beneath the delusion, the hurt, and despair
I needed a change, I needed a chance
To break from this lonely, repetitive dance.
(Outro)
I’m severing the ties, letting my anchor fall free
I’m fighting for the man that I know I can be
The warmth was a fire that burned me alive
But I’m still here… and I will survive.
Yeah, I’m still here…
And I’m fighting to survive.