Shine Through the Stars
Ever try to talk about God at a ba… Read Full Bio ↴Chasen
Shine Through the Stars
Ever try to talk about God at a bar? Faith and clubs may seem unlikely companions, but powerhouse pop/rock trio Chasen sees no need to divide the two. Whether playing for crowds on Sunday at their hometown church, or on weekdays at clubs like House of Blues and Ashville’s own Orange Peel, this new band’s refreshingly unaffected honesty and hook-heavy rock sound right at home.
The band got its start in the church, writing praise and worship choruses for Sunday services and youth group events. Lead singer/songwriter and namesake Chasen Callahan pulled together fellow bandmates — guitarist Silver and drummer Aaron Lord — to help him compile an independent CD of songs Callahan had played at summer youth camps. The music was so good, the disc soon found its way into the hands of upstart label OMG, a small new entertainment enterprise in the historic West End of Greenville, South Carolina. Drawing inspiration from its location — well outside the modern music hubs of L.A., New York, and Nashville — OMG sought to find fresh talent in unexpected places, and saw the young band as a perfect debut for its roster.
OMG’s hunch was correct. Since signing, Chasen has already tasted extensive success, despite not yet having a project in the marketplace. The band has toured heavily, opening for the likes of Relient K, NEEDTOBREATHE, and mainstream rockers Sister Hazel. They’ve already seen an early single, “Crazy Beautiful,” climb to a Top-5 position on Christian radio charts. Leveraging its forward-thinking predilection, OMG also orchestrated a cross-promotion with the Zipit Wireless Messenger 2, or “Z2,” whereby national advertising for the hot new teen-targeted portable device prominently features Chasen’s music.
These accomplishments provide an impressive segue to the band’s national debut, Shine Through the Stars. Showcasing their inspirational brand of rootsy pop, the 13-song collection is set to release in April 2008 for OMG Music and distribution partner EMI CMG. Chasen recorded the project at OMG Studios under the direction of award-winning producer Noel Golden, whose earlier credits include Matchbox Twenty, Edwin McCain, and Lee Ann Womack.
Sole songwriter and lead singer Callahan also contributed guitar and piano on the project. A prolific, self-taught musician, Callahan says his ability runs in the family. “When I was 13, I played drums for my dad’s band” – an ensemble facetiously dubbed ‘Potter Zye.’ Dad next encouraged him to lead worship songs for the youth group at church, and Callahan’s talent grew from there.
The songs on Shine Through the Stars center around trying to live a life of conscience and conviction amid a society where that pursuit can be polarizing. Writing candidly from his own experience, Callahan manages to provide a positive voice in his music without proselytizing, creating a project that is easily accessible to a wide variety of listeners.
Case in point is the radio single “Crazy Beautiful.” In jangly, melodically-driven rock, the song offers an up-beat, healthy perspective on the pressure we all feel to maintain a camera-perfect image. “This song is for the ones who think they’re not pretty enough or cool enough,” Callahan explains. “The next time you look at yourself in the mirror, remember that God looks at us all the same. He’s capable of making you exactly how you were intended to be.” The song’s sympathetic reminder that it’s what is on the inside that counts has propelled it up radio charts and connected Chasen with a host of teenage fans.
The project also dips into more plaintive subject matter at points. “Drown” — a song about overcoming lust — was written several years ago when Callahan was struggling with making responsible choices about dating and sex. Then a hot-blooded American teenager himself, he penned the gentle ballad while sitting alone at South Carolina’s venerable Folly Beach in the early hours of the morning. The waves mirrored the thoughts he felt would overwhelm him.
“God has a way of teaching us through everyday life,” he recalls. “Drowning in those circumstances I was dealing with at the time was not an option, and this song is about finding redemption from that situation.”
Throughout the project, Callahan’s songs reveal his close relationship with God. Following Christ is a singular passion of his that adds an earnest depth to his songwriting. Not complicated or religious, Callahan’s songs manage to remain a simple, humble, and grateful acknowledgement of the Divine at work in his life.
“Waking up to a sunrise or watching a sunset over the ocean makes me thankful,” he admits. He often sees God reflected in nature, from the mountains in his hometown of Pickens, South Carolina, to the Pacific Northwest wilderness surrounding his extended family in Oregon. Stars have a particular significance for Callahan, thanks to a cherished memory of his grandfather that forms the foundation of the album’s title, and closing, song.
“My grandfather was a huge inspiration in my life,” he says. “Just before he died, when I was ten years old, he told me to find a star and never look away. By that, he meant to choose a goal and strive to achieve that goal, without ever looking back.”
With the release of Shine Through the Stars, Callahan and his eponymously-titled band are looking ahead to more than they even dared to dream. As heavy touring continues and the promise of further radio success builds, Chasen is on a path that will enable them to share their message of hope with a much larger audience.
“Christ didn’t stay within the four walls of a church,” Callahan says. “He went to the streets. That’s where I feel led to go, too. People need to know that Christ loves them no matter where they are.”
And, whether it’s Sunday, Saturday, or any day in between, Chasen is prepared to take that message to them.
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Leave You Alone
Chasen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I told you love, things would never be the same
Hey, He can take your pain away
Despite your many scars, He'll meet you where you are
I don't want to see you fall away
I can hear you say
You're searching for a healing
You'll never have to do this alone
Walking the tightrope and bracing the fall
No matter what you've done this far
He's still chasing your broken heart
He's never gonna leave you alone
Hey, so you act like things are fine
But it's not alright behind those lonely eyes
Hey, you can stop this masquerade
It's such a hollow life, got to give up your pride
I don't want to see you walk away
But I can hear you say
You're searching for an answer
Here it comes today
You'll never have to do this alone
Walking the tightrope and bracing the fall
No matter what you've done this far
He's still chasing your broken heart
He's never gonna leave you alone
Escape the place you're in
There is hope for you
It's never too late
It's never too late
You'll never have to do this alone
Walking the tightrope and bracing the fall
No matter what you've done this far
He's still chasing your broken heart
He's never gonna leave you alone
The lyrics in Chasen's song "Leave You Alone" essentially talk about a person who is going through a tough time, struggling with their own emotions and pain. The song addresses this person and tries to offer some perspective and comfort by showcasing that despite all the scars and problems, there is a way out of the current situation. The first verse talks about how the person can give up their pride and let go of the problems that they are facing. It's an assurance that things can get better, and they don't have to be alone while fighting it out. The second verse addresses the way the person is trying to mask their pain and pretend that everything is okay. However, it emphasizes that it's essential to acknowledge the pain and deal with it rather than hiding behind facades.
The chorus mentions the central idea that the person is not alone and there is always someone who cares. No matter what the person has gone through or what they have done, someone is chasing their broken heart and will never leave them alone. This assurance of support reminds the listener that they don't have to go through tough times by themselves.
The bridge in the song emphasizes how there is always hope and a way out of the current situation, no matter how bad it might seem.
Overall, "Leave You Alone" is a song that aims to offer comfort and assurance to someone who is going through a tough time. It emphasizes the fact that they are not alone, and there is always someone who cares about them and is ready to be there for them.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, would you change your mind today?
Asking if the listener would consider a new perspective today.
If I told you love, things would never be the same
Suggesting that love has transformative power.
Hey, He can take your pain away
Referring to God as capable of providing relief from suffering.
Despite your many scars, He'll meet you where you are
Stating that no matter how damaged one feels, God is willing to reach out and help.
I don't want to see you fall away
Expressing the artist's concern for the listener's well-being.
I can hear you say
Acknowledging the listener's voice and concerns.
You're searching for a healing
Noting that the listener is seeking a cure for what ails them.
For these wounds you've made
Suggesting that the wounds inflicted upon oneself may require special attention.
You'll never have to do this alone
Assuring the listener that they are not alone in their struggles.
Walking the tightrope and bracing the fall
Using metaphor to describe the difficulties of navigating life's challenges.
No matter what you've done this far
Stating that God still cares and is willing to help despite past actions or mistakes.
He's still chasing your broken heart
Implying that God is working to mend the listener's emotional wounds.
He's never gonna leave you alone
Reiterating the earlier promise that the listener is not alone and will always be supported.
Hey, so you act like things are fine
Observing that the listener may be hiding their emotions.
But it's not alright behind those lonely eyes
Recognizing that the listener may be struggling internally despite outward appearances.
Hey, you can stop this masquerade
Encouraging the listener to be authentic and not hide behind a facade.
It's such a hollow life, got to give up your pride
Suggesting that living a false life is unfulfilling and requires abandoning ego.
But I can hear you say
Reiterating that the artist is willing to listen to the listener's struggles.
You're searching for an answer
Noting that the listener is seeking guidance and a solution to their problems.
Here it comes today
Implying that a solution or answer may be forthcoming.
Escape the place you're in
Encouraging the listener to remove themselves from current negative circumstances.
There is hope for you
Offering reassurance that things can get better.
It's never too late
Suggesting that there is always time to improve one's situation.
Contributed by Aaliyah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.