Burn… Read Full Bio ↴Here is some background information on Burn Halo from Songfacts.com
Burn Halo is a hard rock band originating from Orange County, California and Tulsa, Oklahoma. They comprise lead vocalist James Hart, lead guitarist Joey Cuhna, rhythm guitarist Brandon Lynn, bassist Aaron Boehler and drummer Dillon Ray. Their self-titled debut album was released on March 31, 2009 through Rawkhead Rekords.
Burn Halo's second album, Up From The Ashes, was the group's first effort written and recorded as a band, as their self-titled debut set was all written by frontman James Hart himself with outside writers, and recorded by the singer with session musicians. It was released on June 28, 2011, through Rawkhead Records.
When one door closes, another one opens. This couldn’t be truer for musician James Hart, who spent nearly a decade recording and touring as the frontman of Orange County band 18 Visions. After their breakup in early 2007, Hart quickly redirected his creative energy and honed his talent into a singular vision that fully represents his individual skill and ideas. Never losing momentum, Hart landed a label deal with Island/Def Jam and began working almost immediately with songwriter Zac Maloy on what would become Burn Halo’s charismatic self-titled debut.
Between May and October of 2007, Hart made weeklong treks to Tusla, OK to write and demo with Maloy, solidifying his objective of what the music would sound like and focusing on writing songs that would construct a well-balanced record. “I knew that I wanted a clear-cut rock ‘n’ roll band, which is something I had not had in the past,” Hart says of the music. “My vision and my brand of rock ‘n’ roll without having to compromise on any of the songs or any of the material. I wanted to make a very straightforward rock album. Something that had commercial appeal, but also something that had a classic, vintage mid-‘80s throwback vibe to it.”
Hart recorded the album from October to November of 2007 with Maloy as producer, laying down the tracks with an army of skilled studio musicians, including Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair, former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney, and guitarist Neil Tiemann who now tours with American Idol winner David Cook. In the studio Maloy was particularly helpful in getting the best possible performance out of Hart, especially when it came time to lay down the vocals. “I really felt like he was able to grasp what I wanted to do and where I wanted to take this,” Hart says. “From a producer standpoint I feel like he really knocked it out of the park. As a vocalist he was able to bring a lot out of me instead of having me go through the motions and just get the part right. Emoting a little more than I have in the past. He was really able to pull a lot of character out of my voice.”
The result is a dynamic, gripping collection of gritty rock songs that immediately engage their listener, ranging from the propulsive “Save Me,” which Hart describes as the “heaviest” track on the record, to the memorable first single “Dirty Little Girl,” which features Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates. Hart also reveals his emotional and musical range on “Here With Me,” an emotive throwback ballad that resounds with immediacy and sincerity, and showcases Hart’s songwriting goals for the album. “I wanted to touch more on real life situations and real life stories,” Hart says. “I wanted to paint a real life picture. I started listening to country and a lot of those songs are very real and down to earth. They are songs about real life, about situations you would come across with a lover or the loss of a friend or heading down a dark path in life. I wanted it to be really simple and easy to digest. I wanted there to be no question about what I was singing about.”
After the album was completed, in early 2008, Island elected not to release Burn Halo’s debut, leaving Hart with the tough job of finding a new home for his project. Nothing felt quite right, though, so Burn Halo’s manager Bret Bair formed his own label Rawkhead Rekords through Warner Music Group to release the record. Hart spent much of 2008 finalizing the lineup of his touring band- which he hopes will help write and record Burn Halo’s successive albums- with Aaron Boheler on bass, Joey Cunha on lead guitar, Allen Wheeler on rhythm guitar, and Ryan Folden on drums. All that’s left is to show it all to the world. “I think this is a real statement album for me,” Hart says. “Anyone who is familiar with me and my past is going to be able to get this record. They’re going to understand why I made this record and that this is the record I’ve been wanting to make.”
Give Me A Sign
Burn Halo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're living in the past
And I don't understand why we're still here
Seems we've paid the price
We've wasted half our lives
And I don't understand why we're still here
Oh Lord please give me a sign
Seems like it's been so long
We search for answers with our hands up in the air
And I know it's true that someday I will find you, but I think we're running out of time
Oh Lord please give me a sign
We've turned up every stone searching for our souls
And I don't understand why we're still here
The choice of wrong and right
The never ending fight
And I don't understand why we're still here
Oh Lord please give me a sign
What are we waitin' for?
Seems like it's been so long
We search for answers with our hands up in the air
And I know it's true that someday I will find you, but I think we're running out of time
Oh Lord please give me a sign
Lately I've been feelin' kinda lonely
Feeling like I'm on my own
'Cos I know, I know I'm lost without you
I know we're lost without you
What are waitin' for?
Seems like it's been so long
We search for answers with our hands up in the air
I know that we'll survive
We'll make it through the night
We'll keep on movin' 'cos I know we're almost there
And I know it's true that someday I will find you, but I think we're running out of time
Oh Lord please give me a sign
The lyrics of Burn Halo's song, "Give Me A Sign" centers around the theme of feeling lost, searching for answers and guidance, and seeking a sign or signal to lead the way. In the opening lines, the song mentions that they seem to be stuck in the past, wasting a considerable amount of their lives, and are unable to understand their current situation. The following verse voices a cry for help and a desire for a sign from the Lord. The lyrics' next verse, "What are we waiting for" suggests that time is running out and they are unable to find their way without divine intervention.
The pre-chorus points out the continuous search for answers and the hope of eventually finding their way. However, the singer admits they feel lonely and lost without guidance. The chorus then repeats the plea for a sign, and the bridge talks about turning every stone in search of their souls, our never-ending battle between right and wrong, leaving them just as lost as they began.
The lyrics' overall theme suggests the song may be addressing the longing for spiritual guidance and feeling lost without it, seeking a tangible sign or message to point them in the right direction.
Line by Line Meaning
We're getting nowhere fast
We are not making any progress in life.
We're living in the past
We are dwelling on past events and not focusing on the present or future.
And I don't understand why we're still here
I don't know why we are still stuck in this situation.
Seems we've paid the price
We have suffered the consequences of our actions.
We've wasted half our lives
We have spent a significant amount of time on things that do not matter or have not moved us forward in life.
Oh Lord please give me a sign
Asking for a sign or a way out of the current situation.
What are we waitin' for?
Asking why we are not taking action to change our current situation.
Seems like it's been so long
Feels like we have been stuck in this situation for a very long time.
We search for answers with our hands up in the air
Trying to find solutions, but not making any progress.
And I know it's true that someday I will find you, but I think we're running out of time
Believing that things will eventually get better, but worried that it might be too late.
We've turned up every stone searching for our souls
Trying everything possible to find meaning and purpose in life.
The choice of wrong and right
The struggle of making the right decision in life.
The never ending fight
The constant battle with oneself to do better and be better.
Lately I've been feelin' kinda lonely
Feeling isolated and disconnected from others.
Feeling like I'm on my own
Feeling like there is no one to rely on or turn to for help.
'Cos I know, I know I'm lost without you
Acknowledging that life is meaningless or difficult without a higher power or guidance.
I know we're lost without you
Believing that we are all lost and in need of help.
We'll keep on movin' 'cos I know we're almost there
Encouraging oneself to keep moving forward despite the challenges and obstacles.
And I know it's true that someday I will find you, but I think we're running out of time
Believing that things will eventually get better, but worried that it might be too late.
Oh Lord please give me a sign
Asking for a sign or a way out of the current situation.
Contributed by Miles F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.