Ace Troubleshooter (often shortened to Ace) was a pop punk band signed to T… Read Full Bio ↴Ace Troubleshooter (often shortened to Ace) was a pop punk band signed to Tooth & Nail Records. According to John Warne, he came up with the band's name after reading the phrase ace troubleshooter in a history book.

Ace Troubleshooter came to an abrupt end in February 2005 when lead singer John Warne left to play bass for Relient K. Toby David posted the announcement of the Ace's death on the band's message board, mentioning that even though he was not an original member of the band, he felt like he was. It has been said that Ace was starting to fall apart as it was, and they were not going anywhere, which may have led to the band's split.

The Ace Troubleshooter lineup changed several times; even Relient K former drummer Dave Douglas filled in as a guitarist for a short time. Only two original members remained when the band came to an end. Those two members, John Warne and Josh Abbott, both played in the short-lived band Guerilla Rodeo shortly before Ace's death. While John Warne went on to play for Relient K, Josh Abbott went on to play for My Red Hot Nightmare.

Fortress
Ace Troubleshooter Lyrics

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So now a hush falls on my heart
My mind at ease, apologies as I start
Overcome, love holds me near
Pitiful boy, oh I am awed, try to be so sincere

I come into
Your presence falling on my knees
Beautiful God

Your face I seek

All I can give you is me
My eyes are dim, and yet within I still see
Everything disappears
You are there
My heart wells up, why do You love?
Oh Lord, why do You care?

In the stillness, the quiet
In the peace
You are there
The idols gone, my mind is free
Your love for me, my sins You chose to bear

You are there, my fortress, my comfort
You are there, my Friend, my God

You are here, my fortress, my comfort
You are here, my Friend, my God

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Fortress" by Ace Troubleshooter is a powerful expression of an individual's need for peace, love, and forgiveness. The song talks about a person's deep-rooted gratitude and awe towards God who provides comfort and refuge. The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics where the singer describes the feeling of calmness and apology as they approach God. The phrase "Overcome, love holds me near" resonates with the idea of overcoming one's fears and insecurities through love, provided by God himself.

The chorus of the song shifts the focus to the singer's desire to be closer to God; they seek his beautiful face and fall on their knees in his presence. The singer's humble yet honest self-evaluation is reflected in the line, "All I can give you is me." Even though they may feel inadequate and unworthy, they still recognize that God's love is unconditional and all-encompassing. The singer then questions the reason behind God's love and care, further emphasizing their reverence towards him.

In the final verse, the singer acknowledges the peace that comes with relinquishing their worldly idols and surrendering themselves to God's love. The line "Your love for me, my sins You chose to bear" references the Christian belief in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to redeem humanity from their sins. The chorus repeats, and the song ends with the singer's declaration of God as their fortress, comfort, friend, and God.

Line by Line Meaning

So now a hush falls on my heart
I am peaceful and calm, with a quiet mind.

My mind at ease, apologies as I start
I feel relaxed and comfortable, and I apologize as I begin.

Overcome, love holds me near
I am overwhelmed, but I feel loved and supported.

Pitiful boy, oh I am awed, try to be so sincere
I feel small and pathetic, but amazed and sincere in my efforts.

I come into
I enter.

Your presence falling on my knees
I am humbled and full of reverence to be before you.

Beautiful God
You are a beautiful and divine being.

Your face I seek
I am seeking your presence and guidance.

All I can give you is me
I offer myself, imperfect as I am.

My eyes are dim, and yet within I still see
My vision may be clouded, but I still have insight within myself.

Everything disappears
All else fades away.