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Dana P

@danapmusic

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butterfly garden poured out of me like wine one day. it is probably the quickest i’ve ever written a song.

i spent years wondering why i was so hard on myself. why i hated myself so much. why i had no clue who the hell i even was. why i always ended up in relationships where i was made to feel worthless, and treated like i was expendable. i understand now.

growing up, i never felt like i was wanted or welcome. i was acutely aware of the fact that i was a “mistake,” and frequently reminded of it. my mother’s resentment hung in the air like smoke. it made me weak and brittle. i always wondered what i did to make her hate me. i never got an answer. i just stopped centering my life around finding one.

i didn’t plan to release butterfly garden at first, but i played the demo for a few friends who’ve had similar experiences, and they encouraged me to share it.

it was a good reminder of why i do what i do: i make music to express myself, and i share my music in the hopes that it will connect with people and help them feel understood. i remember how it felt to not have a voice, and as an artist, i strive to be a voice for people who need one.

it means a lot that several of you have reached out to share how butterfly garden has impacted you. you have no idea how much i needed to hear that. thank you for listening, and for sharing your stories with me 💗

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Halftime & halfway to 40 weeks 🏈👶🏻🧡

We took our baby boy to his first Tennessee game (sort of, lol), brought our Texas crew to their first Saturday in Neyland, sang Rocky Top more times than I can count… and somehow got to meet and hang with @peytonmanning !!! I was able to share with him that my first Tennessee jersey was his when I was only 4 years old. Never thought I’d be able to do that…like…I shook the GOAT’s hand, looked him in the eye and said “Go Vols” — and got a “Go Vols” right back from Peyton himself!! I can pretty much retire now.

Oh and yes, we got to meet @patmcafeeshow & @shanemgillis too! 🤩

Seeing all the little boys running around in their checkerboard overalls and #16 jerseys hit a little different this year knowing we’ll have one of our own doing the same before we know it.🥹

The Vols may not have won, but I had my family in Neyland, felt baby’s little kicks all game AND I MET PEYTON… so who really won here?! 🙌🏼

Truly so grateful.

Another one for the books on good ole Rocky Top! 🍊

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You can take the girl out of East Tennessee…

Back in my Smokies, creek sitting, winding mountain roads, and getting to show my Texas family a little piece of the place that made me, me.

I love Texas, but Rocky Top, you’ll always be home sweet home to me. Until next time. 🧡

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Farewell to September 💛

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"Where others would build bridges, you built an iron fence instead..."

While you grit your teeth and bear your wounded wolf, I walk with mine day and night, getting closer to the moon, crying louder, and healing deeper.

Thank you @arilymichele for tending to this butterfly garden, on behalf of all of us on the outer side of the iron fence, learning to nurture our own versions of this garden, listening more compassionately to the howling within.

Photos: @gracepholliday
BGVs: me & @danapmusic

🤍

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"You have a way with words... sharpen them to be precise. Where feet are firmly planted, you grab the handle and twist the knife..."

@arilymichele has written so many pithy lyrics within this song that beautifully express a very specific kind of pain I've experienced for much of my life...

It's all too kismet that my background vocal lines are "I'm in the garden... You're in a mood... My feeble words are..." (not enough to placate you.)

Anyone else still recovering their inner voice after years of having it silenced? Go stream butterfly garden 🩵

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I love my friends, I love making music with my friends, I love beach with my friends ❤️❤️❤️

Second Annual Writers Retreat was a success to say the least 🫶

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Beach, songwriting, and gigging with best friends…what more could we ask for? Labor Day weekend is officially one of my favorite times of the year 💖 #girlstrip #girlsretreat #sunsetbeach #nashvillemusician #singingwithfriends

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In full denial that this past weekend has already come to an end. Thankful for the “true ones,” who know what it means to be there and to keep showing up. (Also swipe for frog ➡️➡️➡️)

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SATURDAY!!!

So excited to get to perform with my best friends 🥹if you’re free this weekend and in southeast NC, come out, have some wine, and listen to some great music!

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Kinda chic to sing a villain song for Carmela Soprano too

#indiemusician #indiesongwriter #thesopranos

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This life is incredible. Missing Lolita, spending time with the best of friends, loving Jake and our little family. Can’t ask for more.

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