Shshsh

Programme Notes

This was the second collaboration between Regina and me. The ballad addresses the heartbreaking epidemic of child sexual abuse, particularly when the victims are betrayed by their own families. From the outset, I envisioned a simple orchestration for the song, with vocals accompanied by a single instrument—in this case, piano, as heard in the demo. The lyrics and melody are deeply powerful, even in their understated simplicity, and I felt it would be wrong to overwhelm the soundscape with unnecessary instrumentation.

One of the most important steps in supporting survivors of sexual abuse is helping them feel safe enough to come forward. Healing begins when they can find peace with their past. My hope is that this song, and music in general, can play a role in inspiring courage and fostering an open dialogue about these issues.

– Frank Horvat

Lyrics

The family has a Shshsh , that we don’t speak about
A u/g/l/y secret; Took place at Grandma’s house

The family has a Shshsh, though it didn’t start with me
Seems like it’s been forever, inside this family

Shshsh, don’t speak; Shshsh, don’t tell;
Escape into your little shell
Shshsh, don’t see; Shshsh, don’t hear;
In a state of constant fear;

The family has a Shshsh; Nobody brave enough
To stop that animal, preying on the not-so-tough

The family has a Shshsh; Everybody knows details
Of what took place within those walls; A true-life living hell

Shshsh, don’t speak; Shshsh, don’t tell;
Escape into your little shell
Shshsh, don’t see; Shshsh, don’t hear;
In a state of constant fear;

Won’t somebody rescue me; Won’t somebody set me free
Won’t somebody ; Some/bo/dy ; Save what’s left of me
Won’t somebody crack this case; See the clues upon my face
Won’t somebody; Some/bo/dy ; Hurry!!! Help me!!!

The family HAD a Shshsh; Now everyone’s released
The reign of terror over; ‘Cause we massacred the beast
Now we have a new shshsh; A new shshsh; Shshsh!!!