March 14, 2024

Story Behind The Song: “Lucky”

Stories and Songs from our Music Therapy Retreats

Previously called Music Therapy of the Rockies, Music Therapy Retreats delivers evidence-based music therapy to support veterans and individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We host music therapy retreats at no cost, providing participants with the tools to achieve mental wellness through music. Our retreats incorporate goal setting, mindfulness, professional songwriting experiences, and adapted guitar instruction.

This approach helps participants recognize triggers, develop self-regulation skills, and reframe their experiences.

As part of the Retreat, each veteran is given a new Breedlove Guitar to help them work on both physiological and psychological skills through music.

About Russ Hall and “Lucky

I was originally in the Army in the 1990s, where I worked on equipment. I got out after serving four years. After 9/11, when they attacked the towers, I decided to go back into the military. This time I became a medic and was in combat on the front lines with the guys in Iraq. I just kept going back for more.

As a medic, I took care of so many people who got hurt. I was part of one unit where everybody was killed by an IED very shortly after I was assigned to another unit. It could have been me 100 times over there. I was in or near so many explosions. And I made it back. That doesn’t have anything to do with me being good or doing something right. I was just a lucky SOB.

This song is about how lucky I feel to be alive every day. I came back pretty beaten up – I have a brain injury, have had surgery on both shoulders and arms – but it’s better than the alternative. I just try to focus on gratitude every day. I could sit here and think about what hurts, but instead, I choose to focus on how blessed I am to be alive.

I tell myself, “Yeah, my legs hurt, but I still have them,” or, “I’m grateful to be alive to have a migraine.” On the rough days, I pause and remember, “I’m still here.” If you don’t choose gratitude, you’re never going to find peace. I consider any day above ground a good day!

Support Mental Wellness for Veterans

Music Therapy Retreats has served more than 100 veterans and people suffering from PTSD at retreats in Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, and beyond.

With just a $100 donation, you can receive this song — along with two full albums that give you an inside look at our retreats. The stories and songs compiled here highlight their experiences.

Listen to memories unfold, as the retreat attendee’s experiences are explored and captured in song.