Nadine Shah. Singer, songwriter, musician, activist, mixed-race, thirtysomething, successful, outspoken.

That's the tagline, at least...

As a professional musician, I decided long ago what truly defines success. Everything else it just a bonus. Famous enough to be scrutinised in the supermarket, but not famous enough to enjoy the perks that come with 'celebrity', I don't know any other life.From my various accolades and media presence, it might seem like I've it made it, but really I just try my best to do what I do best.

I imagine that much of my story is yours, too, even if you're not a musician. I know you sometimes feel just as inadequate as I do scrolling through Instagram, viewing 'better' depictions of ourselves. But none of it is real. To me, what makes a good lyricist is the ability to speak for everyone and to everyone.

I don't claim to be unique; I don't have any answers to the big questions. But I am willing to share my thoughts on the world with anyone who is willing to listen. This book is a collection of musings on what makes me jump out of bed and what makes me hide under the covers. Sometimes we need to read other people's stories in order to process our own. In this memoir, I will hang out my dirty laundry for all to see in the hope that perhaps you'll find the confidence to do the same.

This is not your regular rock-star tale of debauchery; it's just my everyday life ­- the rank and the glamorous, the mundane and the ridiculous, the demons and the angels. My version of events.