They broke up in 2003 mainly because of the want to pursue other opportunities. Dan Lumley officially retired from music at that time as well. Mass still remains in Squirtgun. In 2008, Jesse began a new band called Classics of Love.
Burning
Common Rider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But that's not what I keep my eyes on
Even in tough times, good people shine
We say stand together, it's yours and mine
Conscious burning,
Everything's gonna be alright
We're gonna shake this town
Things are changing,
But I am not afraid
We'll be together
Rockers of the very Last Wave
When I step down
They'll retire my mic forever
Hang it next to jersey 23
At the United Center
Tone syncopation,
Bigger the bet the better the win
Consciousness party
Till the light's shining in
Whoa, Hey - it's coming down the track
Wa-ah, one two three to the four
There just ain't no turning back
Woah, Hey - mission of the Last Wave
Rising from the foundation
That your true soul made
Music ain't nothing
But expression of joy
When the train hits you're gonna feel it
And if you try to preach,
That ain't nothing but noise
But if you're feeling love reveal it
This phenomenon comes
From the ground of creation
Without a doubt
It is not a sign of weakness
To be real
Move your body, turn it out
The song "Burning" by Common Rider conveys a message of hope and unity amidst tough times. The frontman, Jesse Michaels, sings about a dark sign seen on the horizon, but instead of focusing on it, he chooses to concentrate on the people who shine even in difficult moments. He encourages standing together and maintaining positivity. Michaels sings about consciousness burning, which suggests an awareness or knowledge that drives them towards a better future. He also mentions shaking the town with a long-forgotten light, which could refer to bringing back something good that existed before hardship.
The chorus continues with the reassurance that everything is going to be alright. They will overcome the challenges and come out strong. Michaels sings about changes happening but not being afraid of them, emphasizing that they will still be together as rockers of the last wave. The last wave could represent the last vestige of hope for their community, which they will keep burning despite the odds stacked against them.
The third verse switches up in tone and elevates the music through its lyrics. Michaels refers to his future retirement, where they'll hang his microphone next to Jersey 23 at the United Center in Chicago. This could be a nod to the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He then talks about "consciousness party", which could be a reference to a gathering of people sharing a common consciousness or awareness - in this case, the consciousness that they can make changes and move forward together.
Overall, "Burning" is an inspiring song that acknowledges the struggles people face but encourages them to remain positive, united and focused on their goals. Common Rider makes use of wordplay and metaphors to convey their message and uplift their audience.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw a dark sign on the horizon
I noticed something ominous in the distance
But that's not what I keep my eyes on
However, I am choosing to focus elsewhere
Even in tough times, good people shine
During challenges, good people reveal their true character
We say stand together, it's yours and mine
We believe in solidarity and unity
Conscious burning,
Our passion is burning brightly with intention
Everything's gonna be alright
We are optimistic about the future
We're gonna shake this town
We are going to create an impact in our community
With a long forgotten light
By using something that has been neglected
Things are changing,
Our circumstances are evolving
But I am not afraid
However, I remain confident
We'll be together
We are united
Rockers of the very Last Wave
We are the leaders of a new movement
When I step down
When I am no longer able to perform
They'll retire my mic forever
My microphone will be permanently retired
Hang it next to jersey 23
Alongside Michael Jordan's retired jersey number 23
At the United Center
In the famous sports venue in Chicago
Tone syncopation,
Our rhythm and timing are in sync
Bigger the bet the better the win
The greater the risk, the greater the reward
Consciousness party
An enlightened celebration
Till the light's shining in
Until the transformation is complete
Whoa, Hey - it's coming down the track
Something significant is approaching
Wa-ah, one two three to the four
A rhythmic and emphatic chant
There just ain't no turning back
There is no way to reverse course
Woah, Hey - mission of the Last Wave
We are on a mission to lead the final movement
Rising from the foundation
Emerging from our roots
That your true soul made
As formed by our genuine essence
Music ain't nothing
Music is not trivial
But expression of joy
It is a way to convey happiness
When the train hits you're gonna feel it
You will feel the impact of our movement
And if you try to preach,
If you attempt to lecture
That ain't nothing but noise
It will be dismissed as futile babbling
But if you're feeling love reveal it
But if you want to express love, do so freely
This phenomenon comes
This observable event is the result of
From the ground of creation
The foundations of our creative origin
Without a doubt
It is certain
It is not a sign of weakness
Displaying vulnerability is not a sign of weakness
To be real
To be authentic and honest
Move your body, turn it out
Dance and let loose
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JESSE MICHAELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind