Chorus of Courage and Mèr Confront the Emotional Toll of Narcissistic Abuse

Chorus of Courage and singer-songwriters Mèr (Cindy Doire and Sarah Burton) unveil “Let’s Fight,” a powerful new single that confronts the emotional trauma of narcissistic abuse and the difficult journey toward self-liberation. With unflinching honesty and a calm, cinematic soundscape, the track captures the moment of finally breaking free from manipulation, gaslighting, and cycles of harm — and the quiet strength it takes to say “I’m done.”

Chorus of Courage, a collective rooted in amplifying the voices of survivors of violence provides a home for Mèr’s new song, which resonates as both an act of personal healing and a statement of solidarity for others navigating similar experiences.

Written from the aftermath of emotional abuse, “Let’s Fight” challenges the futility and toll of toxic relational dynamics. “Have you ever had a friend or lover who always wanted to pick a fight? It’s an exhausting cycle of manipulation and hurt,” states Burton. “‘Let’s Fight’ is meant with irony and calm, as if to say, ‘I won’t fight anymore.’”

Though its title may suggest conflict, the song’s intention is the opposite. It’s about reclaiming peace.

Produced in the intimate setting of Cindy Doire’s home during a snowstorm — with a makeshift vocal booth crafted from a pop-up sauna — a sense of introspection, care, and creative freedom marked the recording process. The result is a lush yet restrained arrangement that pairs vintage synthesizers with acoustic textures, creating a spacious backdrop for the track’s emotional weight.

Mixed by Scott Lake, featuring Mark Kelso on drums and John Dymond on bass, the song blends electronic and organic elements to create a nuanced sonic landscape. Mèr and Chorus of Courage made intentional stylistic choices to pair painful subject matter with unexpectedly gentle melodies — underscoring how survival often requires softness as much as strength.

The French lyrics “Tu joues des rôles mais rien ne tient, trop d’éclats de voix je coupe le lien” translates to “You play your roles, but nothing holds— too many outbursts, I cut the cord.” It encapsulates the emotional climax of the song — the moment of choosing one’s own well-being over continued harm.

“This song truly helped us process, and integrate difficult experiences of abuse and get over so much hurt and resentment,” says Doire. “We found ourselves laughing in this really relaxed and cathartic way. Creating this piece of music made us feel lighter, so we hope it can do the same for others.”

At its core, “Let’s Fight” is a song about survival — about learning when to walk away, and how healing can take root when we choose to step away from conflict. It reflects the broader ethos of Chorus of Courage: that peace, truth, and resilience can emerge from even the darkest chapters.

Chorus of Courage is more than a music project — it is a movement dedicated to uplifting the voices of survivors of violence. Through a series of retreats, songwriting, and collaboration, Chorus of Courage has created a space for healing, connection, and shared vulnerability. The project amplifies stories of resilience, bringing together survivors, musicians, and allies to create a powerful musical conversation that celebrates both the darkness and the light of human experience.

The songs featured in the project are born from real-life stories, shared in a safe space, and then passed back and forth through music — a call-and-response of compassion and strength. The goal is to inspire empathy, spark conversations, and catalyze positive change, all while advocating for a world where every voice is heard, honoured, and empowered.

These stories are not merely anecdotes — they are lived experiences, often tender, raw, and vulnerable. They reflect the challenges and triumphs of individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, from grief and trauma to resilience and healing. By translating these narratives into music, the project bridges gaps between people who might otherwise feel worlds apart. It turns isolation into connection, silence into song. Every melody and lyric becomes a thread woven into a larger communal fabric of shared humanity.