Slow Suicide

Scott Stapp's slow suicide was his self-destructive behavior in the years after Creed became one of the most successful bands in America. He became dependent on drugs and alcohol, culminating in a 40-foot fall from a hotel room in Miami after a bout of paranoia. The first track on his second solo album, it finds Stapp looking back on this time and putting it behind him.

In our 2013 interview with Scott Stapp, he said that the Proof of Life album was his best body of work. Said Stapp: "I'm the most content that I've ever been in my 40 years on this Earth and the happiest and the most full of just peace and joy than I've ever been. And I think life reflects art, art reflects life. Just being able to make a record from an organic place, from a place of inspiration and a place free of any negativity or any forcing, brought out the best in me as an artist."

Stapp was encouraged by his producer Howard Benson to simplify and clarify his lyrical ideas for Proof of Life. He explained: "I've always been heavy on metaphor and symbols, even to where I might hide behind fanciful language. Howard helped me get straight to the point." Stapp's new approach to writing lyrics is highlighted on this song. "The point is that for years I was slowly killing myself," he said. "Drugs and booze want to kill you instantly, but they're patient and will take their time. The same is true of toxic relationships. I had to start off this story by declaring the most obvious of truths: that I had been torturing and poisoning myself in an attempt to snuff out my soul."