“It’s been awhile since could stand on my own two feet”..... I was homeless and alone, now I’m in university, have a home, and full custody of my kids ❤️❤️...this song is my life.

If you hear someone say, "It's been awhile," and you don't immediately start singing this song, you definitely missed out on real music.

As an addict in recovery this song hits me hard. Coming up 6 months clean what a journey its been so far

I remember laying in my bedroom when I was 18 and listening to this song. I just turned 40 a few days ago. It's crazy how fast life goes by. It's also crazy how much this song still resonates with me although for completely different reasons now.

I cannot blame this on my father, he did the best he could for me. What a powerful fucking line

Metal singer or Country singer... I'll always like Aaron's voice. The dude has massive talent.

I just realized his neck tat says "Don't Tread On Me". Aaron truly wears his beliefs. Mad respect.

Crap I was in my early twenties when I heard this song.... I'm almost 40... Time goes fast. Real music kids.

His voice in concert sounds exactly as his record, it is very rare today to hear a voice like his.

20 years later..... STILL my absolute favorite song.

10 years clean today. Love this song

11 days clean off drugs and alcohol. This song hits home for me. I always loved this song and it was for a reason. It's been a while since I could hold my head up high

I'm 41 and served in the U.S.MC from 94 to 04 did 2 tours in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan and would have still been serving had I not been injured. I tried to live my entire life trying to prove my family wrong as to not turn out like my parents who weren't very good people to say the least. So I always worked hard to exceed in everything I did after 40 years I got caught up in an addiction and I will beat that because that's what I have to do. My family the people who are supposed to be a supportnsystem for you look at me like they were right all along. Just want Aaron to know it's his music that has gotten me through the best and most definitely the worst of times. You have kept me motivated yet humble throughout my life starting at 17. So for that I am eternally grateful and will always support you and your music as your music has supported me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Will Roberts

I can feel every word of your music,been an addict most of my life I’m 65 five now and I’ll have five years clean I June thank you for your music

In 2001 (the year this album was released) I was 22. Its amazing how music can erase all years and bring me right back to those days.

This song stopped me from killing itself during the covid lockdowns, thanks so much AARON

Those big feelings of being a teenager. I miss those summers.

Love every time joe rogan picks up the guitar

If you have or had issues with addiction, this song is beyond powerful.

Im 33, it's been 3 months since I've taken drugs. I'm a recovering addict, I've moved back into my parents place, I've lost everything due to addiction, everything. I've just enrolled into university and have started having a much better relationship with my kids. I CAN NOT WAIT until I can blast thing song, I spent 10 years tearing my life up it's going to take longer than 3 months to get it back, I know this but I promise when I do I'm gonna play this song.

He doesn’t just sing a song he paints a story and takes you there as he sings. Something very few people can do.

Children, this is a thing called true music.

My daddy just died this month. Aaron Lewis is the thing getting me through the days.

After all these years that man still feels and connects with every word. Barely opens his eyes. It's beautiful.

I listen songs when I was 15yr old now 30yr old

From drugs and alcohol addictions, to being sober, in a warm bed with my 3 year old daughter. When she's restless and can't sleep, i always turn on "What hurt's the most" with Aaron and she listens to his voice and falls to sleep every time. It's her lullaby. Being doing it for almost 3 years now, since i found out it calmed her. I always end up listen to "It's been a while" afterwards, to remind myself of how long i've come since then..

God I feel old listening to this in 2023, but I being in my late 30's, this song hits very different compared to when I was 15. Always been a fantastic song.

This is the best version of this song that exists....

It’s been a while since i could say i wasn’t addicted…..finally got it under control

you can hear the wear and tear in his voice, but god damn it still hits home!!

Heard this back in 2001, right as depression started, and I connected strongly to the emotion of the song. Found this version today- after 16 years I’m 2 days away from 2 months of recovery. So new, but longer than ever before. And this song says it all, and reminds me to keep pushing.

I was a teenager in 97 at a 311 concert and smoked weed with a tobacco wrap with friends, never used tobacco and nicotine sent me into an anxiety attack I got disoriented and went over to the EMT they brought me back stage to chill and Aaron was there with his old band he came over to check on me and make sure I was doing ok. I always remember that, such a genuine dude. God bless you brother.

There was a time where my future was a blur, i thought everything was over. Everytime i heard this song i would tear up and feel a sense of hopelessness. This is the first time i hear this song ad just enjoy the beauty of the music, i may not be where I want to be, but the dream stays alive.

Young brother' !! Tears fill my eyes with your words .... 74 years old and still taking punches. The fight is really never over , it's how you summon the strength to get back up and take another punch 💪

Coming up on 2 years clean and sober, and man. I’ve been listening to Aaron and this song since I was a kid. It wasn’t until I hit that rock bottom of addiction, and pulled myself out of it that I realized how deep this song is. It’s been a while for me too…but I still think of it often. I tear up every time I hear this song thinking of the things I did to my family and friends. My family has forgiven me, but it’s still a burden i carry every day. Thank you, Aaron.

Finally KZfaq recommends something good!

My heart breaks every time I hear it. Nearly lost my son. Lost my younger brothers to drugs. So many friends.

Aaron lewis has extreme talent. The man can literally make your hair stand up. His acoustic versions in every thing he sings is the best!

One of my most favorites. His words are his truth. At least thats what it feels to me. Some are true of me plus I could add a few more. We all mess up at some point in our lives. Sooner or later you see the sun shining once more.

This guy touches something in your very soul and doesn't ever let go. Thx Aaron...

This song is for every addict out there. Im a recovering alcoholic and this song just touches my heart and helps in my recovery God bless Aron

❤Losing kids twice ,getting em back ,now they grown going threw own addictions losing em to drugs ,all 3 locked up and soon they be coming home . Its been a long bumpy road . I miss em so much 😢 May the light be around them pertecting them from harms ways Amen.

Hello Handsome Birthday mate. I love your music. Keep it up. God bless you n America.

Boys and girls, this is what a real musician looks and sounds like.

His live version of Outside w/ Fred Durst is still one of my all time favourites. I miss Staind

This song is more emotional with him singing the acoustic version but just as good with Staind..love this Aaron Lewis

I'd love to see Aaron and Rogan sit down.. and just converse about everything.

Song reminds me of my dad I always blamed him and never knew his demons never judge a man.. you’ll miss them when you can never love them again.

There's a memory and a feeling that only this song can stir.

This dude is just fucking awesome , country or rock. Gives me goose bumps listening to his stuff

Man this song takes me back to times id rather not remember

God bless America.we love your 🎵

Damn it.......Over 20 years later and this song is just as good as the day it was released. If this song, does't hit home you probably don't have a pulse.

This song shatters me every time...

I had been playing guitar about 3 years when Aaron hit the scene. I learned a lot of songs. I’ve been trying to make it as a musician every since then. 22 years ago. I’ve been playing daily. Never giving up. Now that I’m 38. I’ve missed any window I had of making it. I dreamed of being a musician similar to him / his original genre. I am still hopeful as I write all new songs and post them. But seeing him so much older and sounding so different. I realize time has gone.

Just listened to his latest hit that rocketed to number one.... " Am I the only one" what a country voice he has. What a gift he has to both write and sing so powerfully. I hope we hear hell of a lot more from Aaron Lewis!

All the years that´s "been a while" and still haven´t found the way or mood to sing along with this without having my voice broken at some point...

Anyone else feel like they're in a black void of depression that they can't climb out of?

1 year and some months cleans from herion and meth and Crack I listen to this and I just drift away much love brother I'm 23 now

Fucking legend right here. Dysfunction and Break the Cycle will always have a special place in my heart.

It's been a while since I've drowned in my sorrow, and this song is trying to pull me backwards to a place I never want to be at again. Tuning it out forever! 😆

Im 30 and this song is my childhood song.

Yeah it’s been awhile since I could actually find myself. So lost in the world that consumed my life , as a life that seems like a lifetime ago. These memories our so familiar as I think of what it once was and nightmare of what awaits me. This song is freedom.

I’m not at some point of my life to say “It’s been a while since I could hold my head up”... but this song makes me wanna try for a better life and pass these miserable days when I’m a total mess... then I’ll play this song on guitar, cry along and feel happy to finally be fine again...

I was good friends with his nephew in high school. When he visited Aaron his nephew told him that he had two friends that were fans. So Aaron sent another friend and I an autographed photo with our names on it. I've moved across the country so I haven't seen is nephew in quite a while but I was so happy to receive that autograph!

Love his vocal rasp. This man has incredible feel behind his playing.

My first concert ever was Staind when I was 18 in 2005 & I loved Staind & I felt, then, that I understood every song & lyric. Full Circle. Now, 37 & actually living life, it all resonates very differently. Especially the Staind version of this song vs this raw, acoustic version with just Aaron. *(I honestly have a hard time enjoying the Staind version anymore in comparison to this MASTERPIECE!) I feel everything but for very different reasons(as others have stated) My husband & I started listening to all of Aaron in the last few years before he passed away 2 years ago, at age 37. (ironically or not my age now??) We lived in Africa for 3 years for his job as an aircraft engineer (both being born & raised in Wisconsin & proud US Citizens) & one of my favorite memories is 4th of July, we lit off the biggest fireworks(*they sell ones that would be illegal here in the states! & my husband LOVED fireworks & the show & the 4th*) & blared "COUNTRY BOY" out on the deck of our condo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on our massive stereo system while laughing as we set the sky on fire chanting "Murica", which we were proud to be, even though, being a minority there, it was not well received, but thanks to Aaron & his powerful lyrics as a reminder of being a US Citizen born in the land of the free (even though we weren't currently residing) we didnt give a f*** and made a proud statement celebrating our country's holiday & with negativity & disgruntled people that came with such a statement, we just said "DON'T TREAD ON ME!" CT ❤️ 9.1.21

When you slow this down the way Aaron did, it hits home that much harder!

Call me naive, but if ever a song should be allowed to be played uncensored on the radio, this is it.

This mans performance talent is a gift from God and I don't even know if I believe in God sometimes.

Arron Lewis deserves a whole lot for his career he went out and made it happen that's truly the american spirit to the fullest. Good man

Man, the first girl I ever loved, bought me this CD. Break The Cycle. It's been a while since I saw the candles light her face. My dad has passed away, I am married, and I am breaking cycles. That girl died earlier this year at 38 years old. Tomorrow, my dad has been dead for 8 Years. Its been a while since I have listened to this song. It's been a while since I was thankful.

I've loved this song since the first time I heard it!

Just really found this song deep, found this song by grace. It’s helping me the most of anything to stay sober. It’s every single thing I think all the time. We all share THIS when it gets real.

May 1st, 2020.. Covid-19 pandemic and this just takes me back to the past.. "just one more peaceful day" things are clearly not the same.. "but I can still remember just the way you taste".. miss those days where I actually had feelings. 🖤

This song keeps popping up on my feed and it resonates with my story of when I met who I believe is my soulmate. We met and both are healing individually with contact here and there which is good the further along we go on this journey it gets better and better every time we get together. The lyrics in the song hit my heart so beautifully and emotionally.. There is no beauty without pain, like the rose with its beautiful petals and the pain of its thorns.. Thank you Staind for this beautiful healing song!

this man is the musician of a lifetime. noone will ever know how much he cares about certain musical status.

Chills. Literal chills through my spine.

this hits way too hard

This song has to be of the greatest things a singer could give. A darn fine ditty.

I had no idea he converted to country... He sounds damn good. Glad he's still around and playing.

This song is even more emotional as a county song and Aaron Lewis is perfect for it. Thank you brother. God bless!

Getting "Hurt" vibes. Amazing man! Long time fan.

I lost my mrs of 18 years and mother of my son and this song gives me strength

Absolutely best version ever. It's been more than awile, too long and it's never coming back.

It’s been awhile since the first time I’ve heard this song. Boy…do we all get old. Cheers to the additions that made us all relate to this song. Thanks for everything Aaron.

Puts a country spin on it here, if you didn't know better you'd assume it was a country song to begin with. Dude still slays.

Being the voice of reason when my daughter was @ the brink of insanity from addiction. The very worst possible year of my life. Now the best result. Seeing my daughter claw her way out . When your wife says she’s done & I begged & pleaded when could never give up. Today my daughter is free. Do the demons lurk? Yes, But she is aware that it had Been Awhile 😭❤️❤️

A man's heart is hurting. He done things he regrets.But now he comes out. God bless you

One of my all time favorites. I thinks the acoustic versions are always more enjoyable

I'm remembering when this song came out, I bought the CD, and grew soooo sick of Staind. It is now 15 years later, post microdiscectomy, alone, the only woman I truly loved dead and buried, my addictions are the only place I feel good. Now it makes sense. My Love, X.

He's one of the few artists that sound exactly the same in person. His voice is a gift and i am blessed to be able to hear it. The range and tone of his voice is unique and he made me actually like country music considering i hate it lol!

So raw, real and true, full of passion and grace! Thankyou for sharing a piece of yourself with me! God bless and stay safe brothers!

Played with Aaron way back when, up here in Vermont...before he was "found". Just a song. But...it's nice to see local talent make it. There's so many truly artist in this small state...as options are limited.

Thank you for singing this just for me. I hope you understand what this means to some of us.

I know for a fact that you never Will be here in Brasil but I got old with you and I Love you forever

What the heck?!? I was a Teenager, I think 17 or around 20, now getting soon 36. In my youth this song, the lyrics and the whole Staind Album helped me alot to make it through. And this Nightshift in the off time I scroll through KZfaq and found this Video. Life should be lived, no need to understand it. Beautiful Song.

Recovery is scary at first because you don’t wanna face your demons, but when you close your eyes, pray to God, and let go of the fears, doubts, and worries, you’ll feel better than ever.

If music could be placed in a time capsule this song needs to be encapsulated forevermore for all future generations.