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Bruised Reed is an indie folk song written and recorded by Aimee C Alexander, in the home of Aimee and Paul Alexander. This song came from struggling with health issues, chronic pain, and infertility for the last 2 years. I hope it brings peace and hope to others who are suffering, or perhaps even just a peaceful backdrop for reflection or creating. Influences for this project include Joni Mitchell & Elliott Smith.
Lyrics
In times past, I thought I was strong
thought I knew where I belonged,
full of pride, even more of fear
hard as stone
and far away.
Such a fool was I.
And these days, I’m feeling like a bruised reed.
I’m worn and frayed,
holding on so desperately
to the promise you made,
bending ‘til I touch the ground.
Oh, please don’t
Oh, I know you won’t
break me.
Lately, it’s been clear
all I see
is there is no strength
inside of me.
Your strength, you say,
your strength is perfect
when I am weak.
I am weak.
Help me boast in this.
These days, I’m feeling like a bruised reed.
I’m worn and frayed,
holding on so desperately
to the promise you made,
bending ‘til I touch the ground.
Oh, please don’t
Oh, I know you won’t
break me.
Song Credits
Music & Lyrics: Aimee Alexander
Guitar & Vocals: Aimee Alexander
Mixing Engineer: Paul Alexander
Mastering Engineer: Paul Alexander
Recorded for Two Medicine Records
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Aimee C Alexander
Aimee C Alexander is a singer/songwriter with a love for folk, indie rock and pop, “world music”, and R&B. She writes melodies inspired by Joni Mitchell, both floating and jumping in romantic lines. Other influences include Simon & Garfunkel, Karen Carpenter, Andrew Bird, and Grizzly Bear, to name a few. Her songs are co-produced with her husband Paul Alexander, formerly of Midlake.
Aimee performed keyboards and vocals onstage with Paul for his solo record as Two Medicine, at SXSW 2019 and on tour in the UK, Europe and North America, opening for John Grant. Aimee also performed at Thin Line Fest in Denton, TX in 2018.
Aimee started her first band when she was 13. Songwriting in her room made up a majority of her experiences growing up. When she was 15, her aunt taught her how to play “Blackbird” by The Beatles, and so began her love for the acoustic guitar. She consistently had vocal training in choir and private voice lessons, and she used her singing and love for poetry to hone her songwriting skills.
In the past, Aimee has let fear hold her back from releasing music, and she has only performed original material a few times. However, she’s finally begun the process of sharing the music she’s written and recorded. She’s decided to be vulnerable and share her story of trying to change in hopes to inspire people to live intentionally, love others well, and have the courage to do work they feel called to pursue. Her hope is that people will live a more fulfilling life where they can take time for the people they love and the creative outlets that bring them joy.