Empty Church by Adam Burch

Almost 20 years of my life was spent inside of a church.
On top of 14 years in a private christian school.
Some of that time I was even a worship leader.
Like many of us, church is where I was introduced to music.
I never even listened to non church music until I was a teenager.
The first concert I attended that wasn’t a christian artist was the Goo Goo Dolls when I was fifteen.
My parents tried their best to shelter me from the world. Like many do and with good intentions.
But, In my opinion, trying to shelter your kids from the world is the biggest disservice you can do for them. It’s like de-clawing a cat and throwing it into the wild expecting it to survive. How do you expect them to defend themselves and fight for themselves in a cold and heartless culture without exposing them to it and teaching them how to create healthy boundaries?
My generation was really raised by the school system, churches, the television, and the internet. Most of our parents were checked out emotionally and mentally.
When I graduated high school, I felt like I had no life experience, so I did my best to give that to myself in my 20’s. And I did. I had a great fucking time in my 20’s and I’m so proud of myself for everything I’ve learned. I feel so much more grounded and wiser now that I’m in my 30’s.
I was often patronized for being so indicisive in my 20’s, but that’s what your 20’s are for. They’re for discovering yourself and inventing yourself. I did what I wanted to in my 20’s, which still came with plenty of mistakes and lessons learned the hard way. Sometimes I felt guilty, but ultimately I owned my choices.
True education is really unlearning most of what we’ve been taught, because most of what we’ve been taught is designed to limit our potential and capacity to think for ourselves.
I see songwriting as casting my own spells. After all, we’ve all been under a spell. That’s why the first thing we learn is spelling. The gospel Tells us to GO SPELL. It’s a God Spell. We learn songs and chants that put us in trances.
This song is to undo the spells that have cast limitations in my mind, body, and soul.
It’s not a jab at my parents or religious institutions. I don’t hate either. My relationship with both is continually evolving. I’m just expressing myself. I hope this encourages you to do the same.

With Love,
Adam