ACB released its first full length album, Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest, on June 21 of 2005, and was featured in Solid State's Young Bloods Tour with The Chariot, Showbread, and He Is Legend.
Earlier in the year, the band released a statement saying that vocalist TJ was getting married and leaving the band, so they decided to call it quits. However, partially through their 'farewell tour', they decided to stay together, but eventually T.J. decided to depart from the band and go his own way.
The band's second album, titled "Come Now Sleep" was released August 14, 2007, on Tooth and Nail Records. Different from their previous recordings, however, the genre featured on Come Now Sleep has been classified by the band themselves as Rock / Indie / Progressive.
As Cities Burn's third studio album was released on April 21, 2009, with the title "Hell or High Water". The band's music evolved even more with their final album, venturing into indie rock territory but while still maintaining their unique post-hardcore sound.
On the bands myspace on July 17, 2009, the band announced that they had broken up and were going to pursue other interests.
As of 2012 they have re-united for a reunion tour with the original line-up from their first full length album SILYAYD. including TJ on Vocals
2013 - they are Currently supporting Underoath on their farewell tour. They have stated that they are only playing song off of Son, I loved you at your darkest.
Members:
T.J Bonnette-lead vocals
Cody Bonnette-vocals, guitar
Colin Kimble-Bass guitar/guitar/backup vocals
Aaron Lunsford-Drums
Chris Lott- Guitar
Former Members:
Bryan Dixon- Drums
Pascal Baronne-Bass
Made Too Pretty
As Cities Burn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you let us say
you are something that you are not
as if you were made
after we saw our own faces
and knew we were gods enough
(Chorus:)
we're caught up in a stare we cannot break
we know nothing changes too slowly
someday we might come down
but who's really to say
if we are the body
how did pretty men get so ugly
how'd he get all these spaces between each limb
and if there is one thing bigger than my head
that's the distance i've been mislead
Chorus
we don't want a god we don't see in ourselves
we don't see we're in need
Chorus
The song "Made Too Pretty" by As Cities Burn is a deep reflection on the false self-perception created by human ego. In the first verse, the lyrics talk about how we attribute a god-like persona to ourselves because we see our own image in everything around us. We project our own desires and aspirations onto others and create a false sense of superiority. The chorus talks about how we have become too obsessed with our own beauty, and how it has led to a fixation on maintaining that beauty. We are stuck in a loop, trying to preserve our physical appearance, but ignoring the fact that we are losing touch with reality.
The second verse goes into greater detail about how this distorted perception has led to a disconnection of the mind and the body. The lyrics talk about how we have lost touch with our bodies and are no longer in sync with them. This disconnect has led to a disassociation from our own physical selves and a lack of empathy for others. The final verse talks about how we refuse to see God in ourselves because we are blind to our own vulnerabilities. We refuse to see that we need help and are in need of guidance.
Overall, "Made Too Pretty" is a commentary on our own narcissism and how it has led to a lack of empathy and a disconnection from reality. It is a call to action to recognize our limitations and to acknowledge the vulnerability that we all share.
Line by Line Meaning
we bear your name
We associate ourselves with you and your beliefs.
you let us say
You allow us to speak on your behalf and represent you.
you are something that you are not
You are not true to yourself or your identity.
as if you were made
It seems as though you were created recently.
after we saw our own faces
We only recognized you after seeing ourselves in you.
and knew we were gods enough
We felt powerful and mighty enough to place ourselves on the same level as you.
i think we were made too pretty
We are too caught up in our own appearance and ego.
we're caught up in a stare we cannot break
We are so fixated on ourselves that we cannot see beyond our own reflection.
we know nothing changes too slowly
We are impatient and want change to happen quickly, but it takes time.
someday we might come down
It is possible that one day we will realize our faults and humble ourselves.
but who's really to say
It is uncertain who will have the power or realization to bring us down from our high pedestal.
if we are the body
If we are the representation of this group or society.
how did pretty men get so ugly
How did those who were once attractive and desirable become unappealing and unrecognizable.
how'd he get all these spaces between each limb
How did he become disfigured and lose his form and shape.
and if there is one thing bigger than my head
If there is something that is more important or significant than myself and my ego.
that's the distance i've been mislead
That is how far off course I have wandered, believing in my own distorted self-image.
we don't want a god we don't see in ourselves
We only believe in and worship a god that we can recognize and understand within ourselves.
we don't see we're in need
We are unaware of our own faults and failings, and do not realize our need for guidance or help.
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@isaacaberle3853
I admit that I kind of forgot about this band and stumbled on them again on the socials. Holy smokes they’re talented.
@cleverestx
This is my second favorite song on this album, after Into the Sea
@Grosstradamus
Man, bringing it all the way back to ‘09.
@faithsmith5385
Such an incredible group of people! Amazing music! Coronavirus lockdown album repeat!