A Million Ways To Run

Thursday, 9 July 2009

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Terri says…

Probably the most personal song I’ve ever written.  I was in Hawaii on vacation, doing some pretty heavy soul searching, and reading, when this song was born.  My Mom even helped me with a couple of lines along the way . It’s a song about reaching a point in your life when you realize that what you’ve been doing, and how you’ve been dealing ( or not dealing) with uncomfortable emotions, feelings, and thoughts, isn’t working anymore.

We ALL have ways of coping, and the hard thing to do is to face it head on ,instead of running away.  We all have ways of running, and I’ve certainly had mine.  I figured, hell let’s try telling the truth, and see what happens. I am already getting a lot of feedback from people who relate to this song on many levels.

Lyrics

Written by-Terri Clark

In the basement of the church.
I took the last chair in the room
Embarrassed and ashamed,
but that all began to change,
when she stood up and spoke her truth.

She said ” I came here years ago, when I lost my sanity,
I hit an all time-low,
but then I found serenity.
I took shelter hiding from the pain, in any place
to make it go away.

CHORUS
In the arms of a stranger
keeping company with danger,
or staring’ down the barrel of a gun
At the bottom of a bottle,
getting numb with every swallow,
it’s easy, when it’s what you’ve always done,
With a Million Ways to Run

I was the first one out the door
But her words echoed in my head
I took the long way home
but no longer felt alone
Cause I’d lived everything she said
I thought about lost moments of my past
And then I knew, there was no going back…..

To the arms of a stranger
Keeping company with danger
or staring’ down the barrel of a gun
The bottom of a bottle,
Getting numb with every swallow
Cause it’s easy, when it’s what you’ve always done
With a Million Ways to Run

BRIDGE
There’s a freedom I have found
In staying on the ground
Long enough, to chase those demons down….

And I thank God I know I’m Not the only one,
with A Million ways to run…..



89 Responses to “A Million Ways To Run”

  1. mama3699

    20. Aug, 2010

    Terri, I just wanted to say, the first time I heard this song, I got goose bumps all over and it brought a tear to my eye. I’ve never had a song tell my story as much as this one did… Thank you. You reminded me that I’m never alone; that there is always someone out there that can relate to me and I can relate to them. It’s a beautiful thing.

  2. Andrea

    31. May, 2010

    my mother was the one who told me to watch the video. i have always been a fan of your music but this song and video hit home for me this yr. it was this yr when i came to the realization of me having a problem. the video brought me back to day one when i myself entered the room and just sat and listened to peoples stories and related to some in certain aspects. i thought to myself why am i here i dont belong here but then i didnt feel alone anymore. people have different ways of dealing with things. i just wish i can stop running away through drugs and alcohol and run to God and my family for support instead. It hasnt been easy for me to realize that all iv been doing was running and running just makes the problems bigger than they were or could have been. thank you for writing a song of inspiration that shows not only normal people struggle with life. good luck terri =P

  3. allana

    27. May, 2010

    i have been sober now for 5 months from drugs and 4 from alcohol. hearing your song has given me more hope today. thank u

  4. Andrea

    25. Apr, 2010

    What an amazing song! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am very early in my recovery but I felt the exact same way walking into my first meeting. The greatest thing I’ve learned so far is that I’m not alone. I’m so grateful for this song because I think it will reach so many women who might not be seeking help because of the stigma attached to this disease. This disease is reaching epidemic proportion and it’s so important that people talk about it!

  5. Julie

    14. Apr, 2010

    I dont know a soul who couldnt idntify with this song. We all have ways to run, to try and fill that void with something outside of ourselves. Im grateful I qualify to be a friend of Bill W’s and grateful that I found a solution to my living problem. Thanks for the beautiful song!

  6. Andrew

    07. Apr, 2010

    Terri:

    I have long been a fan of yours, but this is one of your greatest and most powerful works. Congrats on the honesty. I am a friend of Bill W. and know exactly what your are saying.

    God Bless. ODAAT

    Andrew

  7. Sarah

    06. Apr, 2010

    Hi Terri. I know you get thousands of comments, emails, etc, but I just wanted to say thank you. As a little girl I’ve struggled with various forms of abuse- whether it be at the hand of a needy family friend or at the hand of an angry boyfriend. I turned to the bottle, to cigarettes, to shooting up, as an escape because I didn’t know what else to do. I’ve been sober now for about five months, and when I heard your song I just broke down. Thank you for making me feel not so alone, thank you for making it clear that I’m not the only one with A Million Ways To Run.

  8. Sandy

    22. Mar, 2010

    Thank-you Terry from the bottom of my heart, Sandy Searles.

  9. lyndsay

    15. Mar, 2010

    hi…
    i have to say this song is amazing i listen to it over and over.. even tho i am only 19 i have seen many things gone bad inmy life… and this song is an amazing riminder that the people i love are not alone.. this song i believe reminds me of my mother, she is well now but we went through alot to get her that way … and terri clark you are my moms favorite and if she was to hear this song im sure she would appreciate having someone she admires so much being so honest and sincere.

  10. Janelle

    14. Mar, 2010

    Hey Terri,
    I can relate to this song on many levels. My Dad is a recovering alcoholic. This on hit me in soo many places the first time I listened to it. It brings back many of the good and bad memories. Because of this song, I decided to go to an AA meeting with him last Friday. I’ve gotta say, I think just being there and supporting my Dad was the best part.
    Thank you So much Terri for this song.; )
    You’re the best

    Janelle

  11. Kayla

    11. Mar, 2010

    hey terri:). i think your song is great the first time i heard it i was with my mom. She turned it right up, so i listented to it and it reminded me of her:) she was a really bad addict since the day i can rembember and i now know that it was an addiction, and she couldnt just stop for me and i am here to help her she has bin sober for 8 months now and i am very proud of her and her listening to your song im sure its helping her. thanks so much!
    kayla, charlottetown, prince edward island, canada.

  12. Travis

    10. Mar, 2010

    Amazing song, it gave me goose bumps when I heard it on the radio for the first time. Every time I hear it playing on the radio it reminds of the gift that gift that I have been given and the second chance at life. I can really relate to this song and it was written with words from the heart. You are still one of my favorite female artists of all times and I look forward to hopefully seeing you in concert in the near future. Thank you for such a beautiful song with such a true powerful message.It works if you work it and keep coming back.
    Travis,

  13. donna

    06. Mar, 2010

    ty terri u are an inspiration to many from fla

  14. Lindy

    05. Mar, 2010

    Hey Terry, drove 5 hours one way to see and hear you last night in Atlanta. It was SO worth the trip. I love the truth of your music and your life. Thank you for sharing. Your songs are wonderful.

  15. [...] new music video for A Million Ways To Run will premiere on CMT Canada this Friday.  Stay tuned for availability in the states and on [...]

  16. Gina

    27. Feb, 2010

    Hey Terri thank you for your wonderful song. This song is amazing it makes me cry everytime I here it. I have been in and out of Church basements for about 18 years. I think I have it know been three years in June. You have been an insperation to me and a role model. I will continue to look up to you. And thank you for your music. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless

  17. Dick g

    17. Feb, 2010

    TERRI ,YOU ARE A BEAUTY LUV YOUR MUSIC. U R MY FAVE ,,WILL SAYS OME PRAYERS FOR YOUR MOM..GOD BLESS HER & YOU..YOUR THE BEST …GOD BLESS YOU TERRI..

  18. Terri-Lyn

    15. Feb, 2010

    Girl, you’ve done it again. You really know how to touch a soul.

  19. johon

    03. Feb, 2010

    hi like your song

  20. Owenk

    26. Jan, 2010

    Wow! This is such an amazing song!!! I love it soo much! You did a fantastic job!

  21. cathy

    26. Jan, 2010

    dear terri,

    i am writing to say, i am a huge fan, iknow you have heard this a million times. every album you have made i have them. i impersonate you at parties, i am so glad they invented karaoke. i could never afford to go to one of your concerts. so whem im along i like to play listen to your cds. your music relates to me in many ways sometimes i feel like you are singing about my life. sorry to hear about your mother. your family is in our prays. god bless you and may god be with you. thank you for being there. your number one fan

  22. louise sheridan

    25. Jan, 2010

    to me i find this is the best song I’ve hurd, it;s right from the truth for so many people

  23. Nikki J

    23. Jan, 2010

    Terri,
    Thank you for such a powerful message. These lyrics touched me very deep, and I am hopeful someday that I can touch lives like you continuously do! I have to let you know that your music is amazing! You are true to your craft of songwriting & your voice is truly a gift! Thank you so very much for making a difference in my life!! Much Love & RESPECT!!! xoxoxo <3 <3 NIKKI

  24. dorothy

    21. Jan, 2010

    TERRY CLARK you never cease to amaze us with your talent,,you are so damn good with writing music we all can relate to!!!!! WELL DONE!!!!!TERRY!!!!

  25. Suzanne

    09. Jan, 2010

    WOW, this brought tears to my eyes, reading how your song affected so many people. I am a counselor and to see the lives that your song touched-it’s awesome. I too have been in the church basement, 18 yrs ago and it changed my life entirely. I love your voice and music!!

  26. Darlene K.

    31. Dec, 2009

    I recently saw your performance in Duncan, yep Drunken Duncan! Thank you for sharing a little piece of you with us. As others have mentioned above, I too have been to the basement of a church and still go, when I heard the song, I was very moved.

    Loved your message at the end of the night “Go to Church”!

  27. Theo

    01. Dec, 2009

    I’ve been to the basement of the church and the community hall. I’ve heard the stories and know how much strength this song will give people. This is an amazing, earnest song that deserves a wide audience. Getting numb with every swallow, when it’s all you’ve always done…

  28. Frank

    12. Nov, 2009

    Hello Terri! Good to see you are back and going strong with music! This song is wonderful! I’ve got to get this cd! You’re just as beautiful as ever! And your voice is strong, but yet so touching! I’m so happy to hear new music from you! Love ya… frank

  29. XAN

    31. Oct, 2009

    Занятная статья, да и сам сайт я смотрю очень даже не плох. Попал сюда по поиску из Яндекса, занес в букмарки :)

  30. Nadja

    04. Oct, 2009

    I remember it like it was yesterday it was the summer of my 17th birthday (This past summer) and I just had lost it when I lost my dad in Iraq, I started to drink, smoke, Hell I even had a gun pointed at my head. I was ready to end it all and this song says alot about what i have done, but I became a christian and there it all ended and once i heard this song I was like WOW

  31. Shannon

    10. Sep, 2009

    My mom is a recovering alcoholic. This hit home on so many levels. I listen to it a lot..good mood, bad mood. You name it. Thanks Terri!

  32. erikalynn

    19. Aug, 2009

    MISS CLARK I WAS READY THE WORDS AND I HIT ME HARDC DUE TO THE FACT I HAVE DEFINATELY BEEN THERE ON MANY OCCASSIONS. I AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE PROFEESIONAL HELP I NEED. ALSO I WANTED TO SAY I HAVE BEEN A FAN FOR MANY YEARS AND YOU HAVE NEVER DISAPPOINTED ME I FEEL THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS WRITING AND SINGING ABOUT MY LFE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

  33. Dwayne McClellan

    14. Aug, 2009

    I have always enjoyed your music and this song really is special. It gets me to thinking about my past and experiences

  34. JONI( A GUAM FAN 4-EVER)

    12. Aug, 2009

    TERRI YOU ARE AN AMAZING SONGWRITER. THIS SONG IS SOO BEAUTIFUL AND ALONG WITH YOUR VOICE MAKES IT MORE TOUCHING. I WORK ON A CRUISE SHIP THAT SAIL THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS AND THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I CAN’T STAND THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH OR THE GUEST.AT TIMES I WONDER IF THIS IS THE PATH I’M SUPPOSSED TO BE ON, WHEN THERE ARE DAYS I DON’T EVEN WANT TO GO TO WORK. BUT WHO DO YOU TURN TO WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE NO ONE UNDERSTANDS YOU. I’VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND LITTLE BY LITTLE I FEEL LIKE IT’S EATING UP MY SOUL.

  35. Naomi

    07. Aug, 2009

    Awesome song, incredible lyrics…

  36. Lynn T.

    04. Aug, 2009

    Hi, I have been writing many poems. I’ve had some stuff to deal with as well. This is a giant leap for me, in that I’m VERY private. I don’t usually tell any strangers things like this. I thought maybe if it helps just one person it will all be worth it.

    Serenity

    I caught a glimpse of you
    in an all new interview.
    Talking a familiar clarity
    being swallowed by a bottle
    now living in a new world
    trying to live in serenity.

    It aint easy I can tell you
    following life’s terms
    living one day at a time
    having to feel all the hurts.

    I had my own convictions
    only 12 clean years ago
    somebody dragged me
    kicking and screaming,
    I wasn’t ready yet
    learned something new that night
    I can live life…without it.

    When I fell off the wagon
    I fell in bed with her
    I woke up and cleaned up
    that one really hurt.

    I try to Live life today
    I know I can’t stop it
    but, I don’t have to drink
    don’t need to be wasted.

  37. Hank

    03. Aug, 2009

    Thank you for the haunting candor of your CMT interview. You have my unwavering admiration, affection and support.

    - Hank
    ————————————————————-
    Great honor accrues to those who arise triumphant over their falls.

  38. toadcorp

    01. Aug, 2009

    Yo TC, loved the chorus verse of this song. And, your voice sounds beautiful as usual!

    toadcorp

  39. KIMWEIN

    01. Aug, 2009

    looks like i am going to have to get this cd also i love your music it helps heal the heart.

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