Their name is a play on the 38th parallel north, which divides North Korea from South Korea. Their first album, Turn the Tides, was released in 2002. Their most famous song is "Horizon."
Following the disbandment of 38th Parallel, vocalist Nate Rippke formed the rock band Sons of the Republic. Guitarist Jason Munday and drummer Aaron Nordyke formed the Harry Potter-themed electronica band Ministry of Magic.
38th Parallel also reformed in 2005 and independently released their self-produced second album.
On August 2nd, 2006, band member Mark Jennings announced, via the band's MySpace blog, that it is unlikely that 38th Parallel will release another album. The decision was influenced by shifting priorities in the personal lives of the members such as marriage.
On June 16, 2007, 4 out of the 5 members of 38th Parallel played 5 songs at Bash on the Farm in Garner, IA.
State Of Mind
38th Parallel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to 38th Parallel's "State of Mind" reflect the struggle between pride and humility, and the search for something that can satisfy the deepest longings of the soul. The first verse describes the arrogance of the singer as they chase their dreams, but despite their determination, they find that the things they pursue are not enough to satisfy their hunger for meaning and purpose. The chorus reflects a turning point in the song, as the singer recognizes their brokenness and vulnerability, and reaches out for help. The second verse describes the singer's sense of disillusionment, as they realize that the things they once desired are not enough to satisfy their deepest longings. The final lines of the song offer a message of hope, as the singer hears a voice that reassures them that they are enough, and invites them to walk through life with a sense of guidance and support.
Overall, "State of Mind" is a powerful and reflective song about human vulnerability and the search for meaning and purpose. The lyrics are brutally honest about the challenges we all face in trying to find our place in the world, and the music has a sense of urgency and intensity that captures the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I stand tall with an arrogant grin
I am filled with pride and confidence
Filled with pride as I chase the dreams that are riding on the wind
I am pursuing my dreams with enthusiasm
In ignorant determination watch me pursue
I am pursuing my goals without fully understanding their implications
But I'm not and they're not enough to satisfy the hunger pains of my soul
My achievements and dreams are not enough to fulfill me emotionally
They are like fading mirages, illusions that leave me sold to the truth
My efforts to achieve my dreams and goals feel unfulfilling and empty in reality
That's the essence of me . . . I'm not enough
Despite my confidence and determination, I feel inadequate and unfulfilled
So here I am Broken on my knees stretching out my weary hands
I am feeling defeated and asking for help
Grasp them and lift me
I am asking for someone or something to help me find fulfillment
Help me to find a rest in your arms that can change my state of mind
I am seeking emotional and spiritual support to change my perspective and find peace
I stagger the earth with one defeated sigh
My emotional state is affecting my physical movements
I once was longing to live now I'm longing to die
My emotional despair has become overwhelming to the point where I feel hopeless and suicidal
Having attained everything that I desired was not enough
My material and personal achievements have not brought me the emotional fulfillment I need
Not enough to quench the thirst for life, for hope for peace
My desires for fulfillment cannot be met through material or personal achievements
Captive to my pride now I beg for sweet release
My pride has held me back from finding true emotional fulfillment and I am now seeking release from it
And then a voice breathes in whispers to my soul "I am enough, I am enough"
I receive spiritual guidance that reminds me I am enough as I am and do not need to seek fulfillment in material or personal achievements
Set my awkward steps straight in line
I am asking for guidance to help me find direction and purpose
Move me to walk this life with your hand in mine
I am seeking spiritual guidance to help me navigate life's challenges
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AARON NORDYKE, AARON DAVID NORDYKE, JEFF BARTON, JEFF ARTHUR BARTON, MARK JENNINGS, MARK MICHAEL JENNINGS, NATHAN RIPPKE, NATHAN ALAN RIPPKE, SHANE MOE, SHANE PHILIP MOE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind