Story Behind The Song

One of the cast members of the off-off-Broadway show "Negative Space" was having a crisis of confidence and posted a black and white photo of herself, half in the dark, half in the light. The song was written for her, inspired by the photo, to tell her she can do anything and that everyone around her was there to support her.

Song Description

The song was inspired by a black and white photo of a woman, with half of her body in the dark and half in the light. She looked contemplative and withdrawn, as if venturing into the light. The lyrics attempt to draw her out, to pursue her dreams knowing she can achieve them.

Lyrics

Searching my brain
For words to explain the pain
But the words aren't there
They left town in despair

I found a picture of me
Looking strong and confidently
It was black and white
Half in the dark, half in the light

Didn't feel colors that day
It's worth a thousand words anyway
Said to the picture of me
Words that came most easily

You're beautiful, and talented
You'll overcome whatever challenges
This life has in store for you
There's nothing you can't do

In the picture she replied
Not with her mouth but her eyes
Look at me next time
Missing words occupy your mind

And you'll see the real me
Smiling back at you confidently
In black and white you're
Growing stronger in living color

Put the picture away
Indelible image left to stay
With words in my brain
Singing to myself that refrain

You're beautiful, and talented
You'll overcome whatever challenges
This life has in store for you
There's nothing you can't do

There's nothing you can't do
There's nothing you can't do
There's nothing you can't do
There's nothing you can't do

I'm beautiful, and talented
I'll overcome whatever challenges
I choose to pursue in my life
Pain just means I'm alive