The world was not the least bit surprised when Branden James became a finalist on season 8 of America's Got Talent, receiving high praise from the judges for his emotional, operatic vocals. During his time in the spotlight, he hit more than one perfect note. Coming out and sharing intimate details of his broken ties with his religious family, he received countless messages from fans who could relate to his personal struggles. Through it all, Branden was surprised by one startling realisation: how vital it was for him to be completely authentic about who he was in order to help others and to heal himself. Branden continued to inspire his fans and kindred spirits by publicly sharing stories of his struggles with depression, the tumultuous time when he contracted HIV and the sexual abuse he suffered while in school, all while still identifying with the Christian faith. LYRICS OF MY LIFE is authentically Branden. It is a memoir highlighting the conflict of growing up gay in a world that saw his true self and beliefs as an impractical, sinful way of life. Branden spares no details about his unstable life as a young adult, estrangement from his close-knit family and, despite it all, his unbreakable will to overcome adversity, seeking solace in his passion for music. In a quest for his own personal freedom, Branden finds reconciliation with his family, rediscovers his faith and realises that affliction and hardship are not what define us as human beings.