My Son’s Rap About Mental Illness For Upcoming Anti-Stigma Show

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My son, Kevin (known by his middle name Mike in my book) has written a rap song and made a video to promote an upcoming local show that will feature individuals with mental illnesses and their families speaking about stigma and recovery.

I recently wrote that Jennifer Killi Marshall was using Kickstarter to finance the May 18th production in Arlington, Virginia, of  This Is My Brave.   The name reflects the moment when individuals decide they will speak openly about their illnesses without shame or fear. (You can still contribute at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thisismybrave/this-is-my-brave-opening-up-about-mental-illness)

Going public takes courage, says Ms. Marshall, who has written a blog about her life since she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She has been hospitalized four times in the past five years.

In addition to this song, Kevin writes and performs rap music on other topics. (WARNING: A shameless plug by his father: I think his albums are amazing and worth every penny and I’m not a fan of rap! You can read more about him and his work at www.getthatworm.com)

I also want to share some sad news with those of you who know me personally or who have supported my advocacy and writings.  My 94 year old mother, Jean, went from being fine two weeks ago, to becoming bedridden and unresponsive. She is under hospice care in our home, having been diagnosed with bone cancer. Because of this, I have not been able to follow up on several mental health issues that I wish to explore more fully, such as NAMI’s selection of a new executive director and Rep. Murphy’s bill. I hope to do this in future blogs and appreciate your patience and kind thoughts.

Thank you Kevin and Jennifer for showing your bravery in speaking out about mental illnesses and recovery.

A note from Kevin Michael Earley

This is a song about mental illness and living and persevering through it.  It was written as a submission for the play “This Is My Brave”.  www.thisismybrave.com 
Written, directed, edited, produced and performed by Earleybird.  
My music is available at www.getthatworm.com
I work now as a peer specialist helping others with mental illness.  Thank you for reading and watching.
 
Lyrics
 
CHORUS x2
 
This is my testimony
This is my brave
This is the receipt for everything that I gave
This is when I was committed, I couldn’t behave
This is how I recovered.  This is how I was saved
 
VERSE ONE:
I could be
Anyone in your family tree
When you see
Your brother, your uncle, you see me
I couldn’t be
Who I am today without community
Housing and opportunity
It’s all part of recovery
1 in 4
Adults deal with some sort of form
Of mental illness in their lifetime
It’s the new norm
Still it’s hard
To get support
When your mind feels like it is at war
And you’re inside a psych ward
So I speak
Out to the people I can reach
Teach about mental illness
Each story is unique
I’m not ashamed
Of everything I’ve been through
It’s not in vain
Even if the struggle must continue
It’s not a game
This is my brave, This is my life- a tidal wave
This is the light the shines the way, a brighter day
I know for everything I gave I’ve got a price to pay
This is my redemption song, I can’t blame society
 
 
 
 
CHORUS x2
 
This is my testimony
This is my brave
This is the receipt for everything that I gave
This is when I was committed, I couldn’t behave
This is how I recovered.  This is how I was saved
 
How would you feel
If every day you had to take a pill
In addition to finding ways to pay your bills
If you’ve got a voice inside your head you’re talking to
It’s hard to keep a job
I’m just keeping it real
Some people rob and steal
Just to eat a decent meal
But the vast majority don’t feel the need to kill
You see us on the news, you might get it misconstrued
Only a few turn into shooters
Condolences to
The families, I don’t know what
You’re going through
But my heart goes out to you
Because they know not what they do
We need to talk about it from a unique point of view
As a society
These issues seem to divide us in two
How would you feel if these were the cards that were dealt?
It’s easier to get a gun than proper mental health
Stigma everywhere
Everybody out for self
Situations feeling
Like you can’t find a way out
 
CHORUS x2
 
This is my testimony
This is my brave
This is the receipt for everything that I gave
This is when I was committed, I couldn’t behave
This is how I recovered.  This is how I was saved

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About the author:

Pete Earley is the bestselling author of such books as The Hot House and Crazy. When he is not spending time with his family, he tours the globe advocating for mental health reform.

Learn more about Pete.