But to a recovering addict, there's no mistaking what this song is about. Since her signing with Arista Records nearly two decades ago, every one of Sarah McLachlans studio and live albums has been certified gold, platinum. A "slip" is exactly how addicts/alcoholics refer to prohibited behavior (i.e. of the 12 steps, can't skip any of them) and "you'll slip". Lastly, there's the use of the words "missed step" (i.e. She is an actress and composer, known for Charlottes Web (2006), Toy Story 2 (1999) and The Brave One (2007). Sarah McLachlan was born on Januin Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada as Sarah Ann McLachlan. Addicts/alcoholics engage in regrettable behavior and often lose family, friends, jobs, everything they "held so dear". Sarah McLachlan, Soundtrack: Charlottes Web. Their addiction is the wound that would not heal, the burden carried on their backs, that, in time, is revealed the next time an opportunity to drink or use presents itself. The allure of the drug, drink, food, sex, gamble, or whatever the problem is overwhelming (second verse). Addicts/alcoholics try everything but usually fail many times in their search to break the addiction. First is an acknowledgment that a "higher power" is required for recovery (read the first verse). A lot of the consequences of addiction and themes of 12 step recovery are present directly in the lyrics. General CommentI know a lot of you are young and not that experienced in life, but this is a song about coping with addiction (probably alcoholism). Her work includes daring dance remixes of soulful ballads as well as covers of songs by XTC and Tom Waits ('Dear God' and 'Ol' 55'). It was one of the most successful songs of that year. Perhaps best known as the Lilith Fair's founder, Sarah McLachlan is alternately a singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist, tour impresario and chanteuse who's been recording since 1988. summer of 1999 McLachlan released Mirrorball featuring live performances of hit songs from. That it's one missed step, one slip before you know itĪnd there doesn't seem a way to be redeemed McLachlan said she wrote 'that song in two days.' 'Angel' was released in 1998 and landed on the top 5 in the Billboard charts. McLachlans next album would become her best-selling to date. It's the bitter taste of losing everything Heaven bend to take my hand and lead me through the fireīe the long awaited answer to a long and painful fightīut somewhere along the way, I got caught up in all there was to offerĪnd the cost was so much more than I could bearīut we carry on our back, the burden time always reveals