the monster inside of me.

Daniel Johnston is an American singer/songwriter/musician/artist born in 1961, who has become a great influence in North American culture. His folk/alternative rock has been said by critics to be "spotty and brilliant." What makes Daniel Johnston's work more amazing and respectful is that Daniel Johnston has been diagnosed with manic-depressive psychosis, a disorder that causes mental disturbances, retardation, and suicidal depression. His work has been celebrated by many well-known artists, such as The Eels, TV on the Radio, Bright Eyes, Death Cab For Cutie, Beck, Flaming Lips, Tom Waits, and director Richard Linklater. I have been a fan of his music for a while now, but not until recently have I really connected with his music. One song in particular.

"The Monster Inside of Me"
by Daniel Johnston

Every time you look at me
You see the monster in my eye
If you could only help me girl
We could be in paradise.

Be happy every after
And there would be no more tears
Eternal peace is what I'm after
Maybe, girl, you could help me understand
The monster inside of me.

You know that I want you
You can see that I need you
But you hate the monster
Well, honey, I do, too.

I need your love to carry me
Out of the darkness of the pit.
You know I feel just like shit.
Maybe, girl, you could help me fight
The monster inside of me.

Maybe if someone had said to Vincent Van Gogh
"Keep punching, Joe!"
Maybe he'd be here today.
Maybe he'd be here today.

You inspire the strength within
And I can be conqueror
As my spirit rise above us.
Maybe, girl, you could help me destroy
The monster inside of me.

And we could be happy.
And we could be happy.
And we could be happy.
And we could be happy.

I'm sorry.