there was a time (breathe) by Paula Varela published on 2022-05-18T19:45:48Z this week I realized I haven't written a song in almost a whole month. I haven't even played my guitar. the reason is I finally got a full time job, and even though I'm pretty happy with it, I just couldn't believe how far I was getting from being Paula the songwriter. I remember listening to my old songs and thinking there is NO WAY I can write like this ever again. yes, the same old songwriter crisis. it's been a huge change in my life waking up at 5 am, going to work, then coming back home and just lay in bed because I'm just tired all the time. there was very little to none room for inspiration whatsoever (I think I wrote down only two song ideas in that whole month). I couldn't believe something I used to do so naturally like writing songs it just wasn't happening at all for a long time. so, for the first time I wrote a song about it. I was really scared I forgot how to do this, but turns out it still feels as easy as breathe ❤️ artwork by Paula Varela (picture taken at Ferroclub Escalada, Buenos Aires AR). lyrics: there was a time no one believed what we once had it could be real, it all came down to just you and me. I held on tight till I was released, all of the sudden like the snap of a string, out of tune and out of reach. it all went down, like you and me. what if I still have something to say? what if I still have words on the way? will I remember what it feels like? will I remember what I have to do to make it right? what's lying underneath. just give me a try, an ugly reason to pick up a fight, and make it all about you and I, twist it up like it wasn't just easy as... breathe. there was a time I was the king, a crown too heavy for me to lift when most of the time I felt like a creep. but you learn how to cope when you learn to deceive, and smile with your teeth just to fight back the tears, it comes out naturally after these years. but I want it back, like you and me. what if I still have something to say? what if I still have words on the way? will I remember what it feels like? will I remember what I have to do to make it right? what's lying underneath. just give me a try, an ugly reason to pick up a fight, and make it all about you and I, twist it up like it wasn't just easy as... breathe. will I remember what I have to do to make it right? when I go home and I turn off the lights and all I can think is "just sleep tight", my world got so mundane and I would die to just... breathe. Genre Folk & Singer-Songwriter Comment by Tamora Wilson I hear you about the work, yeah it can be hard! I really like your rhythm choices in this song, it makes it catchy and memorable. 2022-06-02T13:45:49Z Comment by Bernard Dady I think that this is one of my favourites of yours Paula. Cool lyrics and a nice verse structure. Work is an irritating interuption to creativity - don't let it fill your life. 2022-05-25T11:26:09Z Comment by ahniwa Congrats on the job. I think you definitely still have something to say and more words on the way, and I'm glad you're finding ways to keep sharing them. 2022-05-24T19:29:05Z Comment by James Tristan Redding I hear your Coldplay influence! But it's also so uniquely Paula. 2022-05-23T23:35:42Z