We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Ant Versus The Elephant

from New Shoes by Kyla Tilley

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 CAD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Two pocket wallet including 3 page lyric booklet.

    Includes unlimited streaming of New Shoes via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days

      $20 CAD or more 

     

about

This was written in collaboration with a group of women at The Grief and Loss Education and Action Group. The group consists of women who have experienced the loss of custody of their children, in some cases due to their drug use, (and the way that society has judged women who use drugs particularly harshly and often deemed them unfit to parent) or involvement in the sex industry.

The choruses are their words exactly. The title comes from one woman's description of dealing with the Child Welfare System, which made her feel like an ant going up against an elephant.

lyrics

You paint us all with the same brush
The ant said to the elephant
Hold your judgment hear my voice
I'm tired of feeling helplessness for once
Listen to me

Crawl away you've had your chance
The elephant said to the ant
We're the system we know best
You've clearly shown that you're unfit
Why should we spend any time or resources on you
People don't change so please stay in our nice pigeon hole

So into the arms of old comforts the ant retreated

Chorus:
But as I got older
The hurt just got stronger
The grief welling so large
Depression with crying jags
Hid my suppressed rage
But through it all my love only grew

Understand the circumstance
Is that really so much to ask
Acknowledge struggles that I face
Depression, drugs, poverty, homelessness
The present, the past, and the chances I was never given
But the elephant just flapped it's ears and wouldn't listen

Chorus

I want you to know I jump at each opportunity
Any chance I can see to bring us together
No matter how long this forced separation lasts
My love for you is always there
And nothing can change that

Let me tell my story please
Tell the story of my grief
You took my child as you once took me
A cycle we're doomed to repeat
Left me alone with no hope, and no help, and no future
But the elephant just turned it's back and the ant had to wonder
How can you help the child when you won't help the mother

I finally had enough
Of blaming myself
I grew tired of feeling ashamed
And then I grew angry
My anger finally gave way to determination
As I learned to value myself
The most important thing now in my life
Is to change the system

We are making the elephant hear

credits

from New Shoes, released July 27, 2019
Kyla Tilley: classical guitar, vocals

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Kyla Tilley image

Kyla Tilley Newfoundland and Labrador

Kyla Tilley plays guitar, wears high heels, and writes sometimes sad, often funny, occasionally disconcerting, story-telling songs which rarely rhyme.

shows

contact / help

Contact Kyla Tilley

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Kyla Tilley, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Fabiana Palladino stops by to talk about her mesmeric debut LP.
listen now