A ballad for those scarred by sexual abuse.
Christian Folk Singer/Songwriter Barb Harmatys invites you to visit her at Sound Click.
Hi. I'm Barb Harmatys and I live in a small rural community in Alberta. I'm a Christian singer/songwriter who grew up loving the folk "greats" of the 70's. I hope you like my music. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Story behind the song
I wanted to write a song that would speak to women about the soul damaging effects of sexual abuse. Being a survivor myself, it was important to me to impart the hope I have personally found, that in spite of the pain of this terrible sin, God still has a plan and a purpose for us. He is able to heal the hurt and give us a life of joy and peace. This ballad tells the story of a woman from childhood, all the way to old age.
Lyrics
Little Katie so sweet and so small - can only be but three feet tall.
Pictures betray her, outside smiles - no one knows the pain that she hides.
Scared in the dark, frozen in time - will tonite bring him once again to his crime?
(CHORUS)
Katie, Katie oh sweet, sweet Katie. Did you know your life was planned?
You could know a love eternal, fashioned by the Master’s hand.
Hands that never hurt or harm you - nail-scarred hands in beauty framed -
Hands that long to take your burdens, caress and comfort, heal your shame.
Little Katie, now a woman - still very much a child inside.
Can’t understand why memories still haunt her - long since buried, trying to hide;
All the pain with laughter masked - keep it hidden, no questions asked.
Little Katie, now a mother - suspicions growing in her breast.
Longings deadened, parched, deserted - memories, unwanted guests.
Nails and knives, cut and hurt her - relieving for a little while;
Somehow purging, shameful oozing - bandages herself with a mannequin smile.
Little Katie, weathered and wiry - sits alone, stares at the moon;
Praying silently to Jesus, thankful for her life anew.
Knowing finally why He made her - able to love and to forgive;
Set free, alive, smiling gently - sings a song, new life to give.
(END CHORUS)
Katie, Katie, oh sweet, sweet Katie. Now I know my life was planned.
And I know a love eternal, fashioned by my Master’s hand.
Hands that never hurt or harm me - nail-scarred hands in beauty framed -
Hands that healed and took my burdens, saw my need and bore my shame.
