Everlast

6:38 minutes

Symbolism

A wristwatch is often an urgent reminder that time is running out for important decisions. It can also mean that a significant event is drawing near. I may be anxious about a long-anticipated happening.

A wristwatch is a tool that shapes the way its wearer experiences and perceives time. Watches can also serve as a fashion statement, a symbol of wealth, or a grim reminder of impending appointments throughout the up-and-coming day.

Boxing gloves indicate involvement in a some sort of conflict. Boxing gloves represents a need to prove oneself. Being in the mood to finally finish off a problem.

Granny, Stevie (me) and Aunt Elaine. One year before my Dad shook me unconscious (aka abusive head trauma) in this very house in Viola, Idaho, USA. Brownie camera photo by my Mom.

Inspired by the song, “Fighter,” this video has a talk-over introduction about how early childhood trauma experience turns us into creative problem-solving fighters.

The video’s musical intro has the song “Fighter” with vocal stripped so it’s just instrumental. Then it goes into what seems to be a male singer — but it’s actually Christina Aguilera singing but dropped an octave. It then finishes with a heavy-metal rendition of “Fighter” for the outro.

Creative? Intelligent? Traumatized. You’re a fighter.

Wear it.

The wristwatches are financial symbols of fighters who always feel they are running out of time and pacing the floor like caged animals. Compulsive behaviors. It’s a protective hyper-vigilant survival mode.

I don’t wear a wristwatch any more. I don’t wear a wallet or decorative jewelry. I don’t carry a heavy key chain loaded with keys. I’m free. Almost.

A wristwatch and keys for me represent slavery.

My subconscious mind is revealing deep clues. No fear. Be strong.

Dear abuser in the shadows: “You thought I’d forget. But I remember.”

Lyrics

Fighter
Well I thought I knew you, thinkin’ that you were true
Guess I, I couldn’t trust called your bluff time is up
‘Cause I’ve had enough
You were there by my side, always down for the ride
But your joy ride just came down in flames cause your greed sold me out in shame

After all of the stealing and cheating you probably think that
I hold resentment for you
But uh uh, oh no, you’re wrong
‘Cause if it wasn’t for all that you tried to do, I wouldn’t know
Just how capable I am to pull through
So I want to say thank you
Cause it

‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

Never saw it coming, all of your backstabbing
Just so you could cash in on a good thing before I’d realize your game
I heard you’re goin’ round playin’, the victim now
But don’t even begin feeling I’m the one to blame
‘Cause you dug your own grave
After all of the fights and the lies cause you’re wanting to haunt me
But that won’t work anymore, no more,
It’s over
‘Cause if it wasn’t for all of your torture
I wouldn’t know how to be this way now and never back down
So I want to say thank you
Cause it

‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

How could this man I thought I knew
Turn out to be unjust so cruel
Could only see the good in you
Pretended not to know the truth
You tried to hide your lies, disguise yourself
Through living in denial
But in the end you’ll see
You won’t stop me

I am a fighter and I
I ain’t goin’ stop
There is no turning back
I’ve had enough

‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

You thought I would forget,
But I remember
‘Cause I remember
I remember
You thought I would forget,
But I remember
‘Cause I remember
I remember

‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter