Track 9 · Attention Is Love

My Thoughts Took a Vote

Track 9 from Attention Is Love.

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About My Thoughts Took a Vote

A deeper look at this song is coming soon.

Track 9 on Attention Is Love. Duration: 3:52.

Spoken Intro
Alright… so here’s how my brain works.
It’s not a single thought. It’s a staff meeting.
And nobody read the agenda.
Somebody brought snacks. Somebody brought anxiety.
And somehow… I’m the chairman.
Verse 1
Woke up with a simple plan
“Get dressed, eat, start the day”
But my mind said “Hold that thought”
Then immediately walked away
One voice yelled “Clean the kitchen!”
One said “Write that novel now!”
One whispered “Remember 2009?”
Like that helps me somehow
Pre-Chorus
And they all talk over each other
Like they’re paid by the word
Chorus
My thoughts took a vote
And I lost by a landslide
Anxiety won the chair
And Doubt got elected vice
But I’m learning to call it to order
Put my hand up, take the floor
’Cause I don’t have to follow the loudest voice
Anymore
Verse 2
There’s a guy in my head named “Later”
He’s confident, loud, and slick
He says “We’ll do it tomorrow”
And tomorrow never sticks
Then “Perfection” shows up late
With a thousand tiny rules
And “Shame” sits in the corner
Throwing paper balls at my goals
Chorus
My thoughts took a vote
And I lost by a landslide
Anxiety won the chair
And Doubt got elected vice
But I’m learning to call it to order
Put my hand up, take the floor
’Cause I don’t have to follow the loudest voice
Anymore
Bridge
Here’s the trick they don’t announce:
You can run a meeting without believing every speech
You can notice the panic talking
And still decide to reach
For the next right little action
Not the perfect master plan
I’m not firing my whole brain
I’m just… changing who’s the man
Final Chorus
My thoughts took a vote
Yeah, they still love to argue
But I’m writing down the motion
And I’m choosing what we do
I’m learning to call it to order
Breathe slow, open the door
’Cause I don’t have to follow the loudest voice
Anymore
Spoken Outro
Some days the committee is wild.
Fine. Let them talk.
You don’t have to be scared of noise.
You just have to remember who holds the gavel.

What this song means

The message

The emotional core of 'My Thoughts Took a Vote' is the chaotic experience of living with an overactive mind, particularly for those navigating ADHD or anxiety. It holds space for feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and self-doubt, as seen in lines like 'Anxiety won the chair' and 'Doubt got elected vice.' If you're waking up feeling paralyzed by your own thoughts, this song acknowledges that struggle and the difficulty of simply starting the day.

What the artist wants to convey

William Cloudborn communicates the internal battle many face when their thoughts become a cacophony, as illustrated by the staff meeting metaphor where 'nobody read the agenda.' He invites listeners to realize that it's okay to not follow the loudest voice in their head, offering a gentle reminder that they can take control of their narrative. By saying 'I’m learning to call it to order,' he conveys a sense of empowerment and the possibility of navigating the noise without being overwhelmed by it.

How this can help in everyday life

This song serves as a comforting companion during moments of mental chaos, such as a hard morning when getting out of bed feels impossible, or during a shame spiral where self-criticism takes over. It offers a sense of solidarity, letting listeners know they are not alone in their struggles. By embracing the noise and understanding that they can 'choose what we do,' it provides clarity and grounding, helping them to take small, manageable actions amidst the chaos.