Mac Powell warned me ahead of time that he was fully prepared to cry.

It’s not uncommon for us to talk about emotional subjects here on the Deepest Cut. After all, our subject matter walks us through the formative process behind a song that the artist or band has labeled as the most painful or difficult song they’ve ever released. It’s par for the course.

But for Powell, the song he’s ready to discuss is quite the outlier for his catalog, whether as the longtime front man for the globally-known rock band Third Day or the last few years as a solo artist. That’s because Powell says he normally doesn’t turn to songwriting to be his therapy. For all of the songs in Powell’s incredible catalog—which includes 10 million albums sold, 4 Grammy Awards and over 30 No. 1 radio singles—and for all of the nights Powell was taking center stage, it’s amazing how he managed to stay out of the spotlight of his own handiwork.

“It’s a Shame”, however, was different and on this episode of the Deepest Cut, Powell says he’s prepared to discuss the song publicly for the first time. The song itself is an empathetic exercise for Powell to find perspective and healing within an alcoholic family system. As connective as the song can be, it’s surprising that Powell hasn’t tried to mine the terrain for more of what he might have to say from such tender spaces.

We appreciate Powell’s openness and honesty here, especially on a subject he so rarely explores. His candor and careful approach—one literally full of care—make this a conversation that’s likely to remain with the listener long after it’s over.

We hope you enjoy this episode with Mac Powell.

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