Former members include Derek Webb (guitar, vocals; left the band in 2003 to pursue a solo career), Aaron Tate (songwriting duties), Aric Nitzberg (bass guitar), and Randy Holsapple (hammond organ).
Recently Derek Webb rejoined the band.
All Across the Western World
Caedmon's Call Lyrics
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Second hand, second skin
The rain comes through where the roof is thin
All across the western world
All across the ocean wide
With brothers, neighbors at our door
Our banks are full but our souls are poor
(Chorus:)
So melt your wings like wax to fire
Let yourself fall out of time
From ashes we rise
The broken down are on the mend
Blessed are those who have no voice
You're only free when you have no choice
All across the western world
(Chorus)
All across the open sky
In my career of broken wings
Redemptive ends from tragic means
All across the western world
(Chorus)
The lyrics to Caedmon's Call's song "All Across the Western World" discuss the struggles and issues faced by people in the Western world. The lyrics speak to the prevalence of poverty, a lack of spiritual fulfillment, and a sense of being trapped by societal norms and expectations. The use of the metaphor of a roof that is thin and allows rain to seep through symbolizes the fragility of the lives of many people living in the Western world. Despite the wealth and material resources that are present, there is a deeper sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction that pervades many individuals' lives.
The chorus of the song urges the listener to let go of the things that hold them back and to embrace change, even if it is painful or difficult. The metaphor of melting wings and falling out of time speaks to the idea of letting go of the things that keep us rooted in our current circumstances and embracing something new and transformative. The idea of rising from the ashes after a fall or failure is also present in the chorus, suggesting that there is opportunity for growth, even in times of difficulty.
Line by Line Meaning
All across the western world
This line sets the theme of the song in which the lyrics describe the current state of the Western world.
Second hand, second skin
This line refers to people's lives in which people wear different skins as they try to fit into the norms and culture of the society.
The rain comes through where the roof is thin
This line suggests that even though the Western world seems prosperous on the surface, it has its own problems and vulnerabilities.
All across the ocean wide
This line suggests the global scale of the issues in the Western world as it highlights that the problems are not limited to one particular region but affect many countries.
With brothers, neighbors at our door
This line suggests the interconnectedness between different countries and that they should help each other in times of need.
Our banks are full but our souls are poor
This line suggests consumerism and affluence don't equate to happiness as people have lost their spiritual and moral values in the rush for material possessions.
So melt your wings like wax to fire
This line suggests that people should let go of their false securities and comforts and take risks to achieve greater things.
Let yourself fall out of time
This line suggests that people should detach themselves from the chaos and distractions of the modern world to find a deeper meaning and purpose in life.
From ashes we rise
This line suggests that people can rise up from their failures and hardships to achieve greater things.
The broken down are on the mend
This line suggests that even though people may be down on their luck, they have the potential to rise up and repair their lives.
Blessed are those who have no voice
This line suggests that even though society may ignore them, the meek and powerless are the ones who have the potential to create real change.
You're only free when you have no choice
This line suggests that true freedom comes when people have no other option but to choose the right thing.
In my career of broken wings
This line suggests that the singer has had personal struggles but has persevered and learned from them.
Redemptive ends from tragic means
This line suggests that even tragic and difficult circumstances can be turned around and used for good, leading to positive change.
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: DEREK W. WEBB, SANDRA MCCRACKEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind