Additional Notes:

No Notes Available

Backstory:

In September, 2003, I was asked by a Social Worker friend of mine to sing a song that I had written called "Through A Child's Eyes" (which is about how child abuse is viewed through the eyes of a child) at a 'Take Back The Night' rally.  ('Take Back The Night' is an annual event that is arranged by college campuses throughout the world.  It acknowledges women survivors of violent sexual abuse, assault, incest, and other forms of violent abuse.)  After I sang my song, the women were allowed to come up to the mic and give their personal story of survival.  The experiences that I heard that night moved me to ask one of the women who was involved in planning the event if she would like me to write a song for them and call it "Take Back The Night".  She was thrilled at the prospect of such a song.  Awhile after the event, I emailed Joie Scott and explained the song idea to her.  She graciously agreed to work on the song with me and, before too long, we had a very strong and empowering song.  Our demo of the song turned out absolutely beautiful and I was able to share it at this year's TBTN event.  The response was that it was 'mesmerizing', 'one of the best songs ever heard on the subject'.  We hope to eventually have a female artist record it, as I've had many requests for copies of the song.  (THIS is one of the reasons that I love writing - when people can be moved in such an emotional, positive manner!)

Lyrics:

                                                  
Take Back The Night 
(c) Lisa Medill/Joie Scott

(verse)
Last night I took shelter
In the corner of my soul
When his shadow slid across the floor
His hands were damp and cold
My silent tears were crying to me
Like they've done before
You can't hide this pain inside you
There's no room left anymore

(chorus)
Take back the night
Only you hold the power
You can mend what's been broken and bruised
Take back your life
Take a vow
Strong enough to light the midnight sky
It's your right
Take back the night

(verse)
Now I need to face the darkness
To see the light of day
Heal my broken spirit
And tear the chains away
Believe I'm not a victim
I'm a person with a choice
And pray that others like me
Somehow find their inner voice

(chorus)

(bridge)
Every door has a lock, every lock has a key
All we need is time to find the one to set us free, oh, set us free

(half-chorus)
Take back your life
Take a vow
Strong enough to light the midnight sky
It's your right
Take back the night

(tag)
(Looking out on a new tomorrow)
Take back the night
(Listen to the voice inside you)
Take back the night
(Take a stand and make a promise)
Oh, it's your right
Take back the night