Riley Clemmons has been on the Christian music scene for several years. One of my favorite things about her music is the raw honesty of her lyrics, and “Healing” has this raw honesty. In my opinion, this song is underrated—but that’s why I’m sharing it with you. Overall, it’s a worthwhile addition to your playlist.
When Band-Aids and Duct Tape Can’t Fix It
Saw the end of the tunnel
Didn’t think that I could make it out
Got so used to the dark
I was scared of what the light would do now
I couldn’t piece me back together with some Band-Aids and a roll of tape
And sittin’ ’round wishing it all away
Believing there was something better, better, just took a leap of faith
Solely providing the lyrics for “Healing” doesn’t do this song justice, so I recommend you listen to it when you have a few minutes. But I love that the lyrics are relatable right away. This first verse—and this song in general—has been my anthem. When I was recovering from anorexia, I truly felt like in was in a dark, endless tunnel, and I felt like nothing could fix me. Though I wished all the bad thoughts I had about myself would disappear, they didn’t. But without even trying to take a leap of faith, I did.
My leap of faith meant going to appointments I didn’t want to go to, eating food I didn’t want to eat, telling myself truths I didn’t want to believe, gaining weight I didn’t want to gain, and so many other hard things. Ultimately, it meant being comfortable with being uncomfortable, which is something my counselor taught me. I had to make good decisions for my body even when I didn’t feel like it. That’s how recovery gradually happened for me.
Where Slow, Steady Steps Lead
Gave myself some grace
And my soul began to feel the change
I let love flood my heart
Like the sun upon a tear-stained face
I’m slowly learning to be grateful
Found some purpose in all the hurt now I’m rediscovering what I’m worth
Just takes one step to turn the tables, but I had to take it first
In the second verse, Riley shares that giving herself grace, having gratitude, finding purpose in her pain, and remembering her identity are the things that have allowed her to heal. I agree with what she implies in this verse—that healing isn’t a passive process. Most of the time, it requires personal participation. Similar to what the first verse says, someone who wants to experience transformation needs to make a move toward it.
I especially appreciate the line in the second verse about finding purpose in the pain. To some extent, I’ve found purpose in my eating disorder recovery journey. I literally wrote my book Real Recovery while I was struggling with anorexia and recovery. My hope is that it’s helped lots of other girls find hope and encouragement in their struggles.
How Healing Truly Happens
Now I’m healing
Now I’m healing
I’m here unashamed
I found strength through the pain
What was broken is standing again
And I’m healing
Now I’m healing
Although “Healing” is a powerful and inspirational song, I do have one qualm with it: The word “I” is used a lot (including in the chorus above). Riley is transparent about her pain and her healing journey, which I appreciate. The lyrics are actually somewhat similar to psalms where David describes God rescuing him, like Psalm 40 and Psalm 71. But unlike these psalms, God isn’t mentioned at all in “Healing”—even though He’s the Healer.
That’s my main issue with Riley’s song “Healing.” Overall, it’s self-focused, not God-focused. Yes, I absolutely believe that we need to participate in our own recovery—whether it’s recovering from an addiction or moving on from a breakup or healing from an eating disorder. But the Lord is the one who ultimately provides everything we need, including healing—and we’re called to praise Him for that.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget note all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5 ESV)
Lyrics are from AZ Lyrics.
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