If the Truth Hurts
Photo and cover design by James Taylor, 2003 |
Thirteen songs which grapple with themes of healing after child abuse, finding life and truth in relationships and hope in the midst of struggle and pain. Released in 2003. Purchase the CD (available as a single CD or in a double-pack with The Lies of Love for a reduced cost). |
Producers: Monique Lisbon and Roger Nicholson. Featuring: Roger Nicholson on keyboards, Monique Lisbon on vocals, Jason Suttie on saxophone and David Leeding on guitar. Also featuring David Carr, Rod Wilson, Fiona Dyball and Rebecca Watkins. |
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Lyrics and MP3 samples
Track |
Name |
Lyrics |
MP3
sample |
1 |
Can't |
 72 kb |
 1:04 min, 1 mb |
2 |
If the Truth Hurts |
72 kb |
1:01 min, 732 kb |
3 |
For You |
72 kb |
1:18 min, 928 kb |
4 |
Broken |
64 kb |
Coming
soon! |
5 |
Unthinkable |
76 kb |
Coming
soon! |
6 |
I Remember |
72 kb |
Coming
soon! |
7 |
Running |
Instrumental |
0:57 min, 880 kb |
8 |
So Many Times |
76 kb |
Coming
soon! |
9 |
The Letter |
72 kb |
1:18 min, 1.1 mb |
10 |
Help |
76 kb |
Coming
soon! |
11 |
What I Would Give |
72 kb |
Coming soon! |
12 |
Love is Born |
72 kb |
Coming soon! |
13 |
Evermore |
72 kb |
0:58 min, 692 kb |
 |
Lyrics are in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) and require the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free from www.adobe.com |
Reviews
Esther Kennedy, Ishah Magazine
If The Truth Hurts is one of the least comfortable CDs I've ever listened to. But then again, open discussion about abuse and its ongoing effects is rarely a comfortable experience. Monique engages the listener and invites us to share in her journey through obviously deep pain and struggle to a new understanding of hope, and revelation of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
The journey begins with the edgy rock of Can't and the soulful saxophone appeal of If The Truth Hurts, highlighting the human condition and the futility of ignoring emotional wounds in the hope that they'll go away: If the truth hurts / just think what a lie can do. Our attention is firmly directed to those things that we'd rather not have to deal with, but this is the only way to begin the healing process.
As the pathway winds through awareness of the problem and deals with the associated shame and anger, the work of God is central. The stirring crescendo chorus of For You acknowledges the provision of love through other people, and Broken points to the suffering that Jesus endured to provide us with the ultimate hope. The writer's heart is laid bare and we can see her struggle with forgiving. Unthinkable is the showcase of Monique's vocal abilities, exploring the depths of her mellow lower register and the lilt of her higher notes. It makes for some tender, emotive moments, and links seamlessly into I Remember.
In a time when sexual abuse, especially within the Church, is receiving more and more media attention, it's encouraging to have a constructive example of dealing with consequences of human sin. Monique doesn't shy away from exposing the reality of how hard it can be to go through the process of acknowledging the wounds and participating in the healing. She has found that God's answer to suffering in the world is to suffer with us: What kind of God is this / who enters into suffering / who, during all the violence / is nailed to a tree?
The final songs on the album are filled with hope, providing a balance and a fitting place of rest at the end of the journey. Her adaptation of Psalm 46 is a well-arranged duet with Rebecca Watkins. It lifts the listener's heart to trust in God's eternal promises and in his enduring strength, justice and love.
This album is more than just a collection of songs; it is a series of signposts for pilgrims who are seeking hope and restoration. True peace and comfort are unearthed through a fresh handling of a very distressing topic.
Barb Shearer, Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse
This compilation of songs is a very personal journey, exploring issues such as the pain of child abuse, healing and faith. These issues will be very familiar to listeners who are either close to someone who is a survivor or are themselves a survivor of child abuse.
Evocative vocals, supported by masterful arrangements and instrumentals, and quality production, take the listener through emotions such as anger, frustration, grief, confusion, hope and relief. The journey with Monique Lisbon through these songs is not always easy, yet the honesty with which issues are handled, will help many to feel less alone and more supported in their own journeys. Many will feel recognition and relief, knowing that someone has been through similar experiences.
Mono uses her music to express a story that is common to many survivors, giving voice and expression to central themes of child abuse. This CD will be great therapy for many, and is a great gift from Mono to survivors and those seeking to support and understand.