My Favourite Songs of 2018: Take on the Dark - Amanda Shires (August)

Take On The Dark - Amanda Shires

'To The Sunset'

Silver Knife Records

Produced by Dave Cobb

Released 3rd August 2018



Take On The Dark
written by Amanda Shires

[Verse 1]
I know I said, "Everything's gonna be okay"
But what I meant to say was, "You'll make it through"
Tomorrow will come, tomorrow is yet to be won
You'll push yourself back up and fight the urge to run

[Chorus]
And take on the dark
Without letting it take over
Lead with your heart
Don't look over your shoulder
And take on the dark
It's okay to fall apart
It's okay to fall apart
It's okay to fall apart

[Verse 2]
Worry can be a tumblin', tumultuous sea
With all of its roarin' and its breakin'
How 'bout you be the waves, too unafraid to even be brave?
See yourself breakin' out of this place

[Chorus]
And take on the dark
Without letting it take over
Lead with your heart
Don't look over your shoulder
And take on the dark
It's okay to fall apart
It's okay to fall apart
It's okay to fall apart

Listen to the album here.

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When 'To The Sunset' was released a certain musician claimed that reviewers etc. could barely contain themselves about writing about her 'Significant Other' when speaking of her musical journey (it's actually hard not to as I am finding approaching this piece!) but as he only plays a supporting role on the album we'll try and not mention him at all! 😄

Amanda Shires is a very talented musician/Songwriter, having begun her musical journey playing violin at aged ten, and by 15 she was playing with the Texas Playboys. Releasing her debut album in 2005 (Being Brave - a mainly instrumental album) and she has continued to release albums, a further four solo before the release of 'To The Sunset' (West Cross Timbers in 2009, Carrying Lightning in 2011, Down Fell The Doves in 2013 and My Piece of Land in 2016) and one with Rod Picott (Sew Your Heart With Wires in 2009). She has also contributed her musical skills on a number of projects with many artists including John Prine's latest 'Tree of Forgiveness' (well worth a listen if you are looking for something different to listen to), Thrift Store Cowboys, Justin Townes Earle, Todd Snider, Blackberry Smoke and Tommy Emmanuel to name but a few. She's also played and recorded with "that bloke" we are not going to mention and even won a grammy! 😉

Added to her list of achievements is the Master of Fine Arts in Poetry degree she received in 2017 and of course becoming a mother in 2015.

The song 'Take on the Dark' is my favourite track from 'To The Sunset'. I love the mix of hopefulness ("You'll make it through") and the facing up to the truth that "It's okay to fall apart" because it's in those moments of despair we are able to find strength and it allows us to "take on the dark without letting it take over". 

On a personal note I have found the song to be a great encouragement during the past few months dealing with my epilepsy and the moments that I have felt down and out because of it. I don't know exactly what Amanda had in mind when she wrote the song but it's great to discover that this song speaks into my own life. So thanks for the song Amanda.