Leith Ross

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I saw you at a party
So I waited in the kitchen for my friends
You wanted to say sorry
But I wanna see your body in a ditch

[Verse 2]
You held me down and told me
That I thought that you were handsome, but you're wrong
A friend called it a damn shame
'Cause you're really good at playing along

[Chorus]
And if I had the guts I would've
Punched you in the backroom
Left you bleeding on the kitchen tiles
While I cleaned up in the bathroom
You thought you were an actor
Claimed a hammered body double
Then you wrote yourself a letter
To my name for all your troublе

[Verse 3]
I told my friend about you
He was so upset I thought hе might've cried
But outside on the pavement
Well, it turned to "I like playing with the guy."
[Verse 4]
And I don't know about my body
It feels like the wrong parts were sent to me
All these feelings I can't name yet
Claimed and touched and played with in my sleep

[Chorus]
And if I had the guts I would've
Said "you can't repair it"
Screamed and cried outside the venue
To make sure you were embarrassed
Acted just insane enough
For your friends to claim hysterics
And all the men who couldn't sleep with me
Would testify and swear it

[Post-Chorus]
But do their mothers know?
Do their mothers know?

[Bridge]
I know it's not really her fault, but I
I do think that she'd cry if I called
I know it's really not her fault, but I
I do think that she'd cry if I called
[Pre-Chorus]
And if I had the guts I would've
Punched you in the backroom
If I had the guts I would've
Punched you in the backroom

[Chorus]
If I had the guts I would've
Punched you in the backroom
Left you bleeding on the kitchen tiles
While I cleaned up in the bathroom
You thought you were an actor
Claimed a hammered body double
Then you wrote yourself a letter
To my name for all your trouble

[Post-Chorus]
But does your mother know?
Does your mother know?

Guts is the 4th single released by singer-songwriter Leith Ross as part of their debut record. A deeply personal and emotional track, Guts delves into the themes of sexual assault and its lasting effects on the survivor. It is a courageous and therapeutic song that allows Ross to process the anger, grief, and betrayal that often come with experiencing such violence. The lyrics are raw and heartfelt, capturing the range of emotions that consume the artist.

About the Creation and Teasers

The journey of Guts began with a teaser on TikTok, where Ross shared a video singing the first chorus of the song. They captioned it, "wrote this about a terrible man who had such a terrible effect on my life but playing it is so therapeutic. eff that guy". It was a glimpse into the cathartic nature of the track and the personal experience behind it.

Before its official release, Ross further shared acoustic renditions of the first and second verses along with the chorus in another TikTok video. Captioned with five frowning faces, this preview hinted at the emotional weight the song carries.

In a subsequent TikTok video, Ross performed the second chorus and the post-chorus. They revealed that the inspiration behind Guts came from the realization that the mother of someone who had assaulted them had taken care of their grandfather during his time in hospice care. This revelation added another layer of complexity to the song, highlighting the conflicting emotions of anger, grief, and the constant reminder of the assault.

Although they had initially shared a snippet of the song on TikTok, Ross later removed it, stating that it was inappropriate to promote the song in a lighthearted manner considering its subject matter. This decision demonstrated their commitment to prioritizing personal boundaries and comfort over self-promotion.

With the link to pre-save the song made available on March 7th, 2023, the anticipation for Guts grew. Ross took to social media, particularly Twitter and Instagram, to convey their vulnerability and preface the release. In an emotional message, they discussed how the song reflected their experiences of sexual assault and the subsequent letdown by people in their life. The post also highlighted the need for comprehensive sex education, accessible mental health care, and justice for survivors of sexual violence.

The official release of Guts was accompanied by a statement from Ross on Twitter, revealing that the cover art used for the single would also be the same art used for their first full-length debut record. This announcement generated excitement among fans, with the release date for the record set for May 19th, 2023.

Artistic Expression and Impact

Guts takes heavy subject matter and transforms it into a powerful work of art. In an interview with Born Loser Magazine, Ross discussed the challenges and vulnerability involved in turning personal experiences into songs. They acknowledged that it is not always easy or enjoyable but emphasized the importance of creating something that can provide comfort and encouragement to others.

The song resonates with listeners on various levels. Its relatable depiction of rage, hurt, defeat, betrayal, and forgiveness allows those who have experienced similar traumas to find solace and understanding. Guts also serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for systemic changes in society to prevent and address sexual violence.

As an artist, Ross's willingness to address and confront difficult topics contributes to the ongoing conversation surrounding sexual assault and its devastating effects. Through their music, Ross encourages individuals to practice harm reduction, support one another, and hold accountable those who perpetrate harm within the music industry.

Guts demonstrates the power of music as a vehicle for healing and social change. It represents a significant milestone in Leith Ross's musical journey, showcasing their courage and resilience as they transform personal pain into a means of connection and empowerment.

• Release Date: March 17, 2023
• Artist: Leith Ross