“And if you only make it one more day
Well it’s one more day than you threw away
Power on, anyway “

This song, by the prodigiously talented Maria Mckee, is one of my go-to recovery songs. I listen to this on repeat on those particular days when it all seems like it might be too much, on those days when self-doubt creeps in. Those days when I wonder if I’ll be able to do this sobriety thing forever. If I’m worth the work. If there’s too much darkness imprinted on my cerebral cortex to ever really live fully in the light again. The days when the demons of self loathing swarm all over me, laughing at my crows feet and the beginnings of middle-age paunch.

This song gives me the strength to, well…power on.

Also, the fact that it’s the words and voice of Maria, a friend who inadvertently helped me find recovery after so many years of trying…makes it all the more sweet.

Power on with your dying breath,
Power on, no regret.
With the fuse that was lit,
By the breaking of your spirit,
Power on, don’t quit.

And the things that made you
Want to trade in your heart,
Are the very things that
Made you who you are.
Power on, little star.

Power on til you know yourself,
From the voices in your head,
From the bruises and welts,
Power on, like hell.

And if you only make it one more day,
Well it’s one more day,
Than you threw away.
Power on, anyway.

And though you may never make a mark
Or live your dream,
Well at least you may live
To make peace with the memories and defeat.

With a heart that will be slashed,
And your dreams that will be dashed,
Like a weather stain,
Like a sad refrain,
Power on, my little babe.