The first ASU incarnation came together in 1996 when founding member Ian Eskelin decided to broaden his solo act and take a bunch of mates out on the road. The good old rock 'n' roll and notorious stage antics won them immediate acclaim.
Heady days ensued. The boys were signed to a leading record label, and after five No. 1 singles, watched their American youth group following grow into a legion of loyal fans. Over the past six years ASU has played more than 1000 shows. And only recently, during a rare yearlong break from the road in 2000, Ian took time to properly court and wed his new bride Peggy. The couple lives in Nashville, Tennessee, as do the newest faces in the ASU line-up.
Brothers Matt and Mike Payne, originally from Rockford, Illinois, have joined Ian on drums and guitar respectively, and Jeremy Hunter, a Seattle-native, is bassist and Revolution recording engineer. While the four-piece ASU team worked on the new album they took the time to rethink the ASU platform. Ian wanted to communicate something more personal. "I've written all kinds of songs, but the thing I really love and get most excited about is when I write songs that express my faith in three minutes in new and creative ways. That for me is an outpouring of my faith, my calling."
Certainly Ian's savvy use of metaphor, imagery and twisted cliché could charm a literature student for hours. His song-writing skills are clearly illustrated throughout the new record and particularly in songs like the Lennonesque "We Are The Future" and title track "Revolution". "Sweet Jesus" and the worshipful "Making It Beautiful" are perhaps more obvious in their spiritual message, but the common thread of all the tracks is the one thought-provoking challenge that Ian claims has never been more pertinent. "There are several songs on this new record that talk about change, the idea that we can make our lives better by helping to make the world better. Each of us, individually through Christ can make small differences. More than ever, I feel these songs are relevant — no matter what the circumstances of the day."
Revolution was two-and-a-half years in the writing and is the result of an artist honing his craft while personally living the themes of exploration, change, discovery and challenge. Ian has remained very "hands-on" in the production and long-term friend Mark Freegard (Manic Street Preachers, Del Amitri, and The Breeders) has mixed Revolution and ASU's self-titled debut album. Ian is not shy to express his satisfaction. "It's a ten song record and I really tried hard to trim the fat. I wanted the album to have a strong message and for people to be able to enjoy listening to every song. The guys are extremely talented musicians and really helped me with a fresh perspective on these songs."
Musically, Ian, Matt, Mike and Jeremy promise more emphasis on solid rock 'n' roll fundamentals without loosing the fun elements fans have come to love. "It's been easy to perform the songs on Revolution with the same excitement we had when we first started. The new material is written from the heart, and I feel extremely passionate about it. I want the music to be as important to the listener as it is for me. Whether in a car, living room or concert hall, I want people to leave an ASU experience reflective, energized and uplifted."
From http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/allstarunited.html
Put Your Arms Around Me
All Star United Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who heard it from another
She said she liked the way
I smiled at You in Monterey
I have more hights than lows
And we could add them up
But we'd be running out of fingers and toes Oh well, on good days
That's usually the way it goes
But tonight I'm so lonely
Just put you arms around me
And tell me that you love me so much
I'm tired of seeking slowly
Lately I've been crazy
Maybe I'm just getting out of touch
Now I'm holding on
'Till the night is gone
I'm an average guy
But people like to have their heroes
I'm seldom nervous
Dry or shy
And usually it always shows
Until this feeling goes away
Until I get the needed dose
Until You put Your arms around
And hold me close
In All Star United's song "Put Your Arms Around Me", the singer talks about how he feels lonely and is searching for someone to comfort him. He begins by telling his listeners that he heard from someone else that they liked the way he smiled at them in Monterey. He then goes on to describe his high and low points in life and how, on good days, he has more highs than lows. However, tonight he is feeling particularly lonely and just wants someone to hold him and tell him that they love him.
As the song continues, the singer admits that lately he has been feeling crazy and out of touch. He describes himself as an average guy, but acknowledges that people like to have their heroes. Despite his confident and outgoing nature, the singer finds himself in need of someone to hold him until the night passes and this feeling goes away.
Overall, "Put Your Arms Around Me" is a poignant and relatable song about the need for human connection and the comfort we can find in the arms of someone we love.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard it from a friend
I received information from someone I trust
Who heard it from another
Who obtained it from an additional source
She said she liked the way
She expressed her fondness for my behavior
I smiled at You in Monterey
When I smiled at You in Monterey, she observed and appreciated it
I have more highs than lows
My life has generally been good
And we could add them up
If we tallied my positive experiences, there would be many
But we'd be running out of fingers and toes
Counting them all would require more fingers and toes than we have
Oh well, on good days
However, on days that are going well
That's usually the way it goes
That is typically how things happen
But tonight I'm so lonely
This evening, however, I feel lonely
Just put you arms around me
Please embrace me
And tell me that you love me so much
Declare your love for me
I'm tired of seeking slowly
I am weary of looking for someone to fulfill my emotional needs over a long period of time
Lately I've been crazy
Recently I have felt disturbed mentally
Maybe I'm just getting out of touch
Perhaps I am losing touch with reality
Now I'm holding on
Currently, I am trying to persevere
'Till the night is gone
Until this evening passes
I'm an average guy
I am a normal person
But people like to have their heroes
However, people prefer to have individuals to admire
I'm seldom nervous
I rarely feel anxious
Dry or shy
I am typically straightforward and not bashful
And usually it always shows
This aspect of my personality is often evident
Until this feeling goes away
Until this emotional state ceases
Until I get the needed dose
Until I receive the proper amount of affection
Until You put Your arms around
Until You embrace me
And hold me close
And pull me near to You
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: DAVE CLO, IAN ASHLEY ESKELIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josh Tusjak
The first gig I ever went to was these guys, they came all the way down to suburban Melbourne to play a small show for a small crowd, and they were amazing. This song was my favourite of theirs back then, and still pops back into my head from time to time today, more than 15 years later.
OtakuSteeze
2020 and it still gives me flashbacks of my childhood :3
Eric Sandoval
Wow....this song brings back so many memories....the junior high school "love" days. I was curious and searched for this song on here. Thanks.
Mark Herron
Happy birthday to Ian Eskelin his birth verse is Romans 10:17 Blessings and hugs 🤗💞💓😊❤️💕☺️🙏!
Jason Eure
Look up Bear Crossing. Been trying to remember this song for forever; these guys were a big influence for me as a singer/songwriter. I have finally found this to show my wife. Pumped. Thank you.