The Woods' latest EP bears the title "If We Never Stop Moving," a lyric from the band's semi-autobiographical song "Lions." However, the title has become more of a battle cry then the mere ending to a verse, as The Woods' short 3+ year existence has seen them put out a string of musical gems that rival the quality and catchiness of those on popular radio today. "I just want to put out music that's timeless" Batten says, "With music, there should be no gap, whether it be
age, time or genre. People will like something if it speaks to them and I want to speak to everyone…to build a relationship with our audience, not just a one night stand".
Batten and the Woods have gone out to support this "relationship" with consistent shows focusing on the tri-state area and a touring history through all major, mid Atlantic markets, playing in front of audiences as big as 7,000+ and opening for national headliners like: Gavin DeGraw, Butch Walker, Dropkick Murphy's, Pete Yorn, Army of Me, Jesse Malin, Dispatch, Nils Lofgren, Soozie Tyrell, John Eddie.
Raised on rock and soul legends, Batten's broad inspirations are showcased in his diverse song writing. Tracks like "Sad Songs" and the aforementioned "Lions" hark back to an era where musical emotion jumped off the speakers and into the listener's heart, while "Doncha Wanna be Doin' (Something New)" is the kind of fast spoken boogie that no one can help but dance to. On tracks like "Gone For Good" and "The End Of the Line," The Woods pull back to a California breeze that demands the listeners to roll down the windows and put the car in drive, all guided by Batten's steady, powerful vocals. "Ever since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with music. I crave the passion that it brings, but I think that passion has gone missing and the audience has been looking for it." Batten laments "I can only hope that we can do our part in bringing that back….to restore some faith."
The Woods look to the past for an inspiration that delivers music ready to move a new generation and they continue to prove this night after night with live shows that have gotten the adults in the room just as excited as their jaded teenagers. As Batten says, "It's nice to play a show and have a teenage kid AND their father come up and say how much they liked the set. It lets us know that we're succeeding in what we set out to do."
PRESS
"...Impressive tonality, engaging lyrics, and pure sweet rock, the songs are comforting like a fresh blanket from the dryer while still offering the kick to the senses like the first dive into a pool. The Woods have a gift in their vocal lead, a unique and appealing voice that can stand out from the crowd of analogous rock bands and withstand the test of a 60 minute disc..." - IndieInTune.com
"...Chris Batten and The Woods have debuted on Amie Street with just one song, but luckily it's a strong one and will keep us in anticipation of their full "If We Never Stop Moving..." EP. Gone For Good is a nice example of soul music in the truest aspect of the genre - convincing and heavy with feeling..." - AmieStreet.com
"...Trying to put the heart and soul back in rock and roll, Chris Batten and The Woods hope to inspire as much emotion with their music as they invest in it, and there's no denying their surging popularity in the tri-state area..." - The Aquarian
"...They convincingly command the attention of the entire room, and stand as a rare credible musical entity..." - East Coast Rocker
"...Chris Batten and The Woods play a hard-charging, barroom style of bluesy rock, yet have become one of the hottest bands in the post-hardcore and emo-intensified New Brunswick scene..." - Home New Tribune
For more info and content visit www.andthewoods.com
by your side
Chris Batten and The Woods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You was there dancing with me like the song never end
They was all about to bounce you finna just settle in
A fair weather better friend that was
Something bout you can't quite put my finger on it
Must be a water sign so creative in the moment
I'm alone never lonely you my homie
Ride or die always told me you be
Put on my headphones in a zone press play
Stormy weather all a sudden it's a better day
Sun start shining when I'm
If I was in a bad mood you change my attitude
Life of the party first one to get it started
Hold you sacred in my heart feeling like I gotta guard it
Know that if we ever parted
Hip hop you the love of my life it's been said by others
I'm tryna shoot my shot just like them other brothers
I been crushing on you since I was 13
Learning all about you just so I can be
And all of sudden all your friends is my friends
We got you in common cause of you we started rhymin
Making songs and relationships that last life long
You the glue that makes the bond strong
They call me Side but you still call me Terrence
I was broke still had me looking fly off of clearance
Said it's not about the things it's more about the experience
Turn it up so you can hear it cause I'm
Late night parties early morning house cleaning
Cruisin running errands seat back gangsta leaning
Whether in the bar or iron horse hopping car to car
Everywhere I go there you are
It's kinda crazy when you think you growing out of it
It's still here unconditional you gotta love
People come and go but hip hop you never strayed
Always been there for me always stayed
See I'ma recluse at times out of sight out of mind
Hip hop brought me up out my box so I could shine
Used to be a introvert wanted to be left alone
Like we can hang just separately in our own home
Them feelings is long gone you changed my whole outlook
Being on stage spittin rhymes shoutin out hooks
It's a high you gotta experience to describe
Just know I failed more times than beginners ever tried
When they bouncing out chuckin' up the deuces
You my day wizzy right there no excuses
Always in my ear like my conscious
So loud still I hear through the nonsense when you
When I was in school and full time employed
Tryna acquire some materialistic toys to enjoy
You was right there through it all if I ever fall
Told me
It's kinda crazy when you think you growing out of it
It's still here unconditional you gotta love
People come and go but hip hop you never strayed
Always been there for me always stayed
The lyrics of Chris Batten and The Woods's song "By Your Side" speak to a deep and enduring connection with hip hop music. The artist expresses gratitude for the way hip hop has been a consistent presence in their life, even when others have come and gone like fleeting winds. The imagery of dancing together with hip hop music, feeling its creative energy in the moment, suggests a profound sense of companionship and inspiration that the artist finds in the genre. There is a sense of comfort and familiarity in the relationship with hip hop, akin to a loyal friend who is always there when needed.
The artist likens hip hop to a guiding force that has been with them since a young age, shaping their identity and providing a source of passion and dedication. Hip hop is portrayed as the love of their life, the one constant in a world of change and uncertainty. The bond with hip hop goes beyond just music; it has served as a catalyst for forming connections with others and creating lasting relationships built on a shared love for the genre. It is described as the glue that holds together these friendships and musical collaborations, emphasizing the power of hip hop to unite people and transcend barriers.
The lyrics also touch on personal growth and transformation through the influence of hip hop. The artist reflects on how their relationship with the genre has helped them break out of their shell, overcome insecurities, and embrace their true self. Hip hop has provided a platform for self-expression and empowerment, enabling the artist to shine on stage and share their voice with the world. It is described as a driving force that propels them forward, even in moments of doubt or difficulty. The artist acknowledges the role hip hop has played in shaping their perspective and motivating them to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.
Overall, the lyrics of "By Your Side" convey a deep sense of appreciation and reverence for hip hop as not just a genre of music, but a lifelong companion and source of strength. The artist celebrates the unwavering support and inspiration they have found in hip hop, noting that despite the passage of time and changes in their life, the genre remains a constant source of comfort and guidance. The lyrics capture the enduring love and loyalty the artist feels towards hip hop, highlighting its transformative impact on their personal growth, relationships, and sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
When everybody else was gone in the wind
Despite everyone else leaving, you remained by my side
You was there dancing with me like the song never end
You danced with me as if the music would never stop
They was all about to bounce you finna just settle in
While others were ready to leave, you were prepared to stay
A fair weather better friend that was
You were a loyal friend in all types of weather
Something bout you can't quite put my finger on it
There is something remarkable about you that is hard to pinpoint
Must be a water sign so creative in the moment
Your creativity in the moment must be due to a water sign influence
I'm alone never lonely you my homie
Even when I am alone, I never feel lonely because you are my close friend
Ride or die always told me you be
You always assured me that you would be there through thick and thin
Never far from me only a song away
Although physically distant, you are always close in spirit through our shared music
Put on my headphones in a zone press play
Immersing myself in music helps me focus and connect with you
Stormy weather all a sudden it's a better day
Despite facing challenges, you always bring sunshine into my life
Sun start shining when I'm
Your presence brings light and warmth into my life
Life of the party first one to get it started
You are always the life of the party, initiating the fun
Hold you sacred in my heart feeling like I gotta guard it
I cherish you deeply in my heart and feel the need to protect our bond
Know that if we ever parted
I acknowledge the possibility of us going separate ways
Hip hop you the love of my life it's been said by others
Hip hop, you are my true love, as others have also recognized
I'm tryna shoot my shot just like them other brothers
I am also attempting to express my affection for you, like many others have done
I been crushing on you since I was 13
I have admired and loved you since I was a young teenager
Learning all about you just so I can be
I continuously strive to understand you better in order to grow with you
And all of a sudden all your friends is my friends
Our mutual connection has brought us closer to each other's circles
We got you in common cause of you we started rhymin
Our shared passion for you has led us to practice and create music together
Making songs and relationships that last life long
Through music, we form bonds that withstand the test of time
You the glue that makes the bond strong
You are the essential element that holds our connection together
They call me Side but you still call me Terrence
While others may know me by a different name, you still see me as Terrence
I was broke still had me looking fly off of clearance
Even when I had financial struggles, you made me feel confident and stylish
Said it's not about the things it's more about the experience
You have taught me that material possessions are not as valuable as shared experiences
Turn it up so you can hear it cause I'm
I amplify my love and appreciation for you because
Late night parties early morning house cleaning
From lively gatherings to mundane chores, you are always there
Cruisin running errands seat back gangsta leaning
Even during everyday tasks, I feel your support and influence
Whether in the bar or iron horse hopping car to car
In various settings, from bars to public transportation, I sense your presence
Everywhere I go there you are
No matter where I go, you accompany me wherever I am
It's kinda crazy when you think you growing out of it
It seems strange when you believe you are moving on from a passion
It's still here unconditional you gotta love
Despite any doubts, the unwavering love and support remain
People come and go but hip hop you never strayed
While people may enter and exit my life, you, hip hop, have always been constant
Always been there for me always stayed
You have never failed to be present and supportive in my life
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JACOB GAMBOA, TERRENCE W WOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind