About The Song
In the realm of country music, few artists have managed to evoke such raw emotions and profound storytelling as Martina McBride. Her voice, a powerful instrument that soars with both tenderness and grit, has captivated audiences for decades, cementing her status as one of the genre’s most revered icons. Among her extensive discography, one particular song stands out as a beacon of poignant lyricism and heartbreaking beauty: “Concrete Angel.”
Released in 2002 as part of McBride’s Greatest Hits compilation album, “Concrete Angel” is a ballad that delves into the depths of human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. The song’s narrative revolves around a young girl named Susie, a seemingly ordinary child who bears the invisible scars of abuse behind closed doors.
McBride’s masterful songwriting paints a vivid picture of Susie’s daily struggles, from the mundane act of packing her own lunch to the silent cries that echo through the night. The lyrics subtly hint at the horrors Susie endures, leaving the listener to piece together the fragments of her unspoken pain.
The song’s chorus serves as a poignant counterpoint to the verses, offering a glimpse into Susie’s inner world, where dreams provide a temporary escape from her harsh reality. “Through the wind and the rain,” she stands “hard as a stone,” a testament to her unwavering spirit amidst the turmoil.
“Concrete Angel” is not merely a song about abuse; it is an anthem for the voiceless, a tribute to those who find strength in the face of despair. McBride’s vocals, imbued with empathy and grace, carry the weight of Susie’s story, transforming her into a symbol of hope and resilience.
The song’s impact extends far beyond the realm of music, resonating deeply with listeners who have experienced or witnessed child abuse. It has become a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking conversations about this critical issue.
“Concrete Angel” is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the human soul. It is a song that lingers long after the final note fades, prompting reflection, empathy, and a renewed commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
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Lyric
She walks to school with the lunchShe packedNobody knows what she’sHoldin’ backWearin’ the same dressShe wore yesterdayShe hides the bruises with linenAnd laceThe teacher wonders but sheDoesn’t askIt’s hard to see the painBehind the maskBearing the burdenOf a secret stormSometimes she wishes she wasNever bornThrough the wind and the rainShe stands hard as a stoneIn her world that she can rise aboveBut her dreams give her wingsAnd she flies to a place whereShe’s lovedConcrete angelSomebody cries in the middleOf the nightThe neighbors hear, but they turnOut the lightsA fragile soul caught in the handsOf fateWhen morning comesIt’ll be too lateThrough the wind and the rainShe stands hard as a stoneIn her world that she can rise aboveBut her dreams give her wingsAnd she flies to a place whereShe’s lovedConcrete angelA statue stands in a shaded placeAn angel girl with an upturned faceA name is written on a polished rockA broken heart that the world forgotThrough the wind and the rainShe stands hard as a stoneIn her world that she can rise aboveBut her dreams give her wingsAnd she flies to a place whereShe’s lovedConcrete angel