BREAK THE CHAIN - Keith Urban Lyrics
BREAK THE CHAIN
Is it too late
For me to listen?
For me to change?
[Verse 1]
So far
I'm doin' alright
I've got a feelin'
That maybe it's my time to shine
To make it right
Right with my past
The ones I hurt
And left behind
[Chorus]
It's not too late
For me to change
Oh, no
[Verse 2]
Out here, I've been out here
On my own now, for way too long
Fightin' my own battles
With my demons
With the way that I was raised
And never safe
And never sure
What made him so mad at the world
And mad at me
I was just a kid
I won't do the same
[Chorus]
And it's not too late
(It's not too late)
It's nеver too late
(It's nevеr too late)
To break the chain
[Post-Chorus]
(Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
[Bridge]
So I've taken the best and discarded the rest
And I'm startin' again
I'm lettin' who I was go
Got my feet on the road
And I'm leanin' in
Into the light
[Chorus]
And it's not too late
(It's not too late)
It's never too late
(It's never too late)
To break the chain (Break the chain)
[Post-Chorus]
(Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
[Instrumental Break]
[Outro]
(It is my time)
(It is my time)
(It is my time)
(It is my time)
(Ooh, it's my time)
(Ooh, it's my time)
Introduction
"BREAK THE CHAIN" by Keith Urban is a deeply personal and introspective song that closes his 2024 album HIGH. In this heartfelt ballad, Urban delves into themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and breaking free from the cycles of the past. Through candid lyrics and emotive melodies, he explores the journey of overcoming personal demons and the determination to change one's path.
Song Info
- Album: HIGH (2024)
- Track Number: 12
- Producers: Marc Scibilia & Keith Urban
- Release Date: September 20, 2024
- Writers: Marc Scibilia & Keith Urban
- Genre: Country Ballad
Exploring the Lyrics of "BREAK THE CHAIN" by Keith Urban
This song stands out as one of Keith Urban's most personal works. It addresses the struggle with one's past and the desire to forge a new path. The lyrics reflect a narrative of recognizing personal flaws, the influence of upbringing, and the conscious decision to not repeat the mistakes of previous generations.
Verse 1
In the opening lines, Urban sets a tone of contemplation:
"Too late
Is it too late
For me to listen?
For me to change?"
He questions whether it's too late for self-improvement and acknowledges a longing to make amends. The verse continues with a glimmer of hope:
"So far
I'm doin' alright
I've got a feelin'
That maybe it's my time to shine"
Here, he expresses a budding confidence in his ability to "come alive" and "make it right" with his past and those he may have hurt.
Chorus
The chorus serves as an affirmation:
"It's not too late
For me to change
Oh, no"
This refrain emphasizes the central theme that change is always possible, reinforcing a message of hope and self-empowerment.
Verse 2
The second verse delves deeper into his internal battles:
"Out here, I've been out here
On my own now, for way too long
Fightin' my own battles
With my demons"
Urban reflects on isolation and the struggle with personal demons, possibly alluding to past hardships or addictions. He touches upon his upbringing:
"With the way that I was raised
And never safe
And never sure
What made him so mad at the world
And mad at me
I was just a kid
I won't do the same"
This poignant section reveals a generational cycle of anger and hurt, likely referencing his relationship with his father. His vow, "I won't do the same," signifies his commitment to breaking this cycle.
Bridge
In the bridge, there's a turning point:
"So I've taken the best and discarded the rest
And I'm startin' again
I'm lettin' who I was go
Got my feet on the road
And I'm leanin' in
Into the light"
Urban speaks of shedding old patterns and embracing a new beginning. The imagery of "leanin' in into the light" symbolizes moving towards positivity and healing.
Outro
The repeated lines:
"(It is my time)
(Ooh, it's my time)"
Convey a final affirmation of his readiness to embrace change and step into a new chapter of his life.
Song Theme
"BREAK THE CHAIN" explores themes such as:
- Self-Reflection: A deep introspection about personal flaws and past actions.
- Generational Cycles: Acknowledging the impact of upbringing and the determination to not repeat negative patterns.
- Redemption and Change: Emphasizing that it's never too late to change and make amends.
- Hope and Empowerment: Inspiring listeners to believe in their ability to overcome personal struggles.
Technical an*lysis
Musically, the song is a blend of heartfelt lyrics and minimalist instrumentation, allowing the emotional weight of the words to take center stage.
- Instrumentation: The use of acoustic guitar and piano creates an intimate atmosphere. The subtle incorporation of synthesizers adds a modern touch without overpowering the song's raw emotion.
- Vocals: Keith Urban's vocal delivery is sincere and vulnerable, conveying the depth of his personal connection to the lyrics.
- Production: Co-produced with Marc Scibilia, the production is polished yet restrained, highlighting the song's introspective nature.
Impact and Reception
Although the song is newly released, it has already begun to resonate with fans and critics:
- Emotional Resonance: Listeners appreciate the candidness and relatability of Urban's storytelling.
- Critical Acclaim: Early reviews highlight the song as a standout track on the album HIGH, praising its authenticity and depth.
- Personal Connection: Many fans find inspiration in the song's message that it's never too late to change, reflecting on their own lives.
Comparisons to Previous Work
"BREAK THE CHAIN" is reminiscent of some of Urban's earlier introspective songs, such as:
- "Everybody" – Discussing the universal search for fulfillment.
- "Tonight I Wanna Cry" – Showcasing vulnerability and emotional openness.
- "Blue Ain't Your Color" – Blending heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies.
This track marks a continuation of Urban's willingness to delve into personal and sometimes painful topics, offering solace and encouragement to his audience.
Artist
Keith Urban is a renowned country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his blend of traditional country sounds with modern pop and rock influences. A few notable facts about him include:
- Early Life: Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Urban moved to Nashville to pursue his music career, eventually becoming one of country music's biggest stars.
- Career Achievements: He has won multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and has been a coach on the Australian version of The Voice.
- Personal Journey: Urban has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and his journey towards sobriety, often reflecting these experiences in his music.
Citation
In an interview, Keith Urban mentioned that "BREAK THE CHAIN" is the most personal song on his new album, highlighting his journey of self-improvement and breaking free from the past.
By offering a sincere and emotionally charged narrative, "BREAK THE CHAIN" stands as a testament to Keith Urban's artistry and his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. The song encourages self-reflection and inspires hope that change is always within reach.