Using Your Voice: An Inspiring Song to Help End Domestic Violence

Ryan Daniel is a country singer with a powerful story.  His song, “Lies and Bruises,” aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and how it impacts victims. The song is making a big impact on the community: it was ranked #1 of The Top 215 New Country Artist Songs of 2015. Here’s the story behind “Lies and Bruises,” as told to NO MORE.

How did you get involved with the issue of domestic violence?

When I was a young boy, I grew up watching my mother being physically and mentally abused for years. Now that I am older and have a voice, I decided to do something about it.

Can you tell us a little bit about how you came to make “Lies and Bruises”?

I was sitting with a songwriting buddy of mine who had the initial idea of the song. From there, myself, Dwayne Moore, and Barry Best worked closely together to create the song. We just wanted to make sure it was powerful and didn’t beat around the bush. Really just dove right in and said it!

What made you want to address domestic violence through your music? Do you think music provides a way to help people more easily understand domestic violence?

I believe as an artist you have a voice and I think that putting one’s voice in the right place can make a difference. I’m not afraid to touch on this subject and it definitely needed to be said. I certainly do think that music can help people, and “Lies and Bruises” is no different. I remember doing a show for a Women’s Shelter to raise money and a beautiful woman walked up to me. She said she heard my song and left her abusive situation. That’s powerful! As an artist, this is why I do what I do! I hope this song continues to touch and save lives!

Your song talks about finding people who can help a survivor get out of an abusive situation. What do you think we can do as a culture to help people understand the importance of giving survivors that support system?

I believe continuing to raise awareness about domestic violence and the effects it has on all parties involved is important. Raising money for the various shelters and agencies that provide support to victims of domestic violence is also essential.

Were you surprised by anything you learned while you were making “Lies and Bruises”?

Yes, I was surprised at a lot of things. Some that stuck out to me were the number of women that are being abused, the number of women whose lives are taken from domestic violence, how lax the laws are, and the number of people that do not report the incidents.

How can others make a difference for domestic violence survivors?

I think creating an integral support system that heals all parts of the survivor is one of the most important things we can do.

Below, you can listen to Ryan’s song, “Lies and Bruises.”