People are pleasantly surprised to learn that Ascendant Stranger is a solo … Read Full Bio ↴People are pleasantly surprised to learn that Ascendant Stranger is a solo project -- even though the music relays a full-band sound. Each track is self-produced by Justin Hicks, a wizard of sorts, who tediously lays down every square inch of each track -- including every instrument, writing the lyrics, designing the cover art, web design, and even programming the website.

"All in a days work," laughs Hicks, who spends most of his nights producing tracks after coming home from his day-time web programming job.

"I feel like musicians have gotten 'soft,'" he continues. "I'm constantly looking for a way to keep a listener's interest, and studying what it really means to have a good 'hook' and grab attention. I grew up listening to all types of music and was able to identify quickly what justified a solid sound. I hope that people hear that through my work."

Who You Are
Ascendant Stranger Lyrics

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Do you need someone?
Do you need me at all?
Did you make things hard
Just to watch me fall.

Was it enough
To try to justify the truth?
To try to put questions to good use?

It's not your fault.
This is who you are.

Do you know what's wrong?
You're in my head too long.
To progress in this world
Forget the silly girl.

Was it enough
To try to justify the truth?
You've got to put questions to good use.

(Put your guard down) It's not your fault.
(Release yourself now) This is who you are.
Was it enough
To try to justify the truth?
You've got to put questions to good use.

(Put your guard down) It's not your fault.
(Release yourself now) This is who you are.

Overall Meaning

The song "Who You Are" by Ascendant Stranger is a reflection on the complex emotions and difficult decisions that come with a relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer is questioning their partner's intentions and actions, wondering if they deliberately made things difficult in order to see them fail. The repeated line "It's not your fault. This is who you are" seems to indicate that the singer recognizes that their partner's behavior may be part of who they are, but is still struggling to come to terms with the impact it has on their relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

Do you need someone?
Are you in need of someone's help or support?

Do you need me at all?
Are you specifically in need of my help or support?

Did you make things hard Just to watch me fall.
Did you intentionally create difficulties to see me fail?

Was it enough To try to justify the truth? To try to put questions to good use?
Did you think it was sufficient to try and explain the truth or use logic to understand the situation?

It's not your fault. This is who you are.
You cannot blame yourself for your innate nature or behavior.

Do you know what's wrong? You're in my head too long.
Are you aware of the negative impact you've had on my thoughts and emotions due to spending so much time around me?

To progress in this world Forget the silly girl.
In order to succeed in life, let go of any distractions or insignificant romantic relationships.

Was it enough To try to justify the truth? You've got to put questions to good use.
Trying to explain things away isn't enough. You must ask questions and look for the real answers.

(Put your guard down) It's not your fault. (Release yourself now) This is who you are.
Stop trying to protect yourself, you don't need to feel guilty or ashamed for being true to your nature. Accept yourself as you are.

Was it enough To try to justify the truth? You've got to put questions to good use.
Trying to explain things away isn't enough. You must ask questions and look for the real answers.

Contributed by Declan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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