With a life story that reads like an epic novel, Scott Pryor has distilled his experiences into a searing new single, “Wide Awake.” Known for his textured voice and unfiltered storytelling, Pryor’s journey from U.S. Marine to trial lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, and now musical artist, shapes the raw authenticity of his work. Born in Montana and a traveler of the world, he’s a testament to resilience and reinvention. His latest release is an anthem for those wrestling with inner battles, blending soul-baring lyrics with rock’s undeniable grit.
“Wide Awake” plunges listeners into a world tinged with darkness and defiance, as Pryor’s lyrics peel back layers of pain, mystery, and determination. The track opens with vivid storytelling, portraying a protagonist burdened yet unyielding, “poker-faced, of mystery men…go have some fun, and grab your friends.” Pryor crafts his words with a careful, cinematic edge, evoking an image of a character torn between resilience and vulnerability. The repeated line, “Wake up, Wake up, Wide Awake,” is a stark reminder that there’s no solace in hiding or silence. Here, Pryor isn’t just narrating; he’s urging his audience to confront life head-on, to wake up to truths often buried beneath the weight of daily struggles.
The song’s structure is as layered as its lyrics, juxtaposing verses filled with haunting observations of strength in the face of despair: “Fifty-three fighting through the night…And in our world the silence weeps.” Pryor’s vocals, raspy yet rich, echo the ache in his lyrics, heightening the feeling of urgency as each refrain pushes harder. There’s a feeling that each line in “Wide Awake” isn’t just sung but earned, as if Pryor himself has weathered these battles—a truth underscored by his varied life experiences.
“Wide Awake” resonates as a rallying cry for anyone feeling trapped by silence or loneliness. There’s a potent moment in the line, “I’m not sleepwalking, I can see clearly,” signaling a pivotal shift from disillusionment to clarity. For Pryor, it’s not enough to observe pain; he steps into it, embraces it, and challenges it head-on. His “Wide Awake” isn’t just a song title—it’s a mission statement for a life lived fully, an invitation for all to confront the complexities of existence with eyes wide open. As the song crescendos to its close, Pryor declares, “I’ll Never sleep again,” a bold declaration of self-awareness and resolve that lingers long after the final note.
In a landscape crowded with polished tracks chasing trends, Scott Pryor stands apart, offering a reminder of rock’s ability to pierce through pretense and touch the heart of human experience. “Wide Awake” isn’t just a song—it’s a testament to resilience, a call to face life’s trials with a fierce and unyielding spirit.
